The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed the investigation into the mishap that occurred during SpaceX’s first orbital test flight in April. However, before allowing the company to launch its Starship again, regulators require SpaceX to complete over 60 corrective actions.
Corrective Actions Ordered by FAA
While the FAA did not disclose the details of the 63 corrective actions required by SpaceX, the agency provided a list of some of what’s expected from the company. These include:
- Vehicle hardware redesigns: The Starship’s hardware needs to be redesigned to ensure its safety and efficiency.
- Redesigns to the launch pad: The launch pad where the mishap occurred also requires significant changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Additional analysis and testing of safety critical systems: SpaceX must conduct thorough analyses and tests of its safety-critical systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
Implementation of Corrective Actions
Once SpaceX has implemented all the corrective actions, it can apply for a modified license from the FAA. This license will enable the company to launch Starship again.
FAA Statement on Starship Launches
The FAA stated that the closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica. The agency emphasized that SpaceX must complete all the corrective actions before launching Starship again.
SpaceX’s Response to Corrective Actions
In response to the corrective actions ordered by the FAA, SpaceX stated that it is committed to implementing the changes required by the regulatory body. The company noted that the "lessons learned" from the first Starship launch are contributing to several upgrades to the vehicle and ground infrastructure.
Upgrades Implemented by SpaceX
SpaceX has announced that it is implementing several upgrades unrelated to any issues with the first flight test. These include:
- New electric Thruster Vector Control system: This system will improve the efficiency of Starship’s engines.
- Hot-stage separation system: The hot-stage separation system involves the second-stage engines igniting to push away from the booster, ensuring a smoother and more efficient launch.
Contradiction in FAA Statement
The FAA’s statement that SpaceX has remaining items to correct seems to contradict what SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday. In a post to X (formerly Twitter), he stated that "Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval," without mentioning any remaining corrective actions or upgrades to make.
First Orbital Flight Test of Starship
SpaceX conducted the first orbital flight test of the 394-foot-tall Starship on April 20. During that launch, the incredible thrust from the Super Heavy booster’s 33 Raptor engines wreaked havoc on the launch pad, kicking up chunks of concrete and sand that blew for miles into the surrounding area.
Mishap Investigation
The mishap investigation is a normal course of action for rocket launches that go awry. It is led by the company (in this case, SpaceX) and overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency responsible for regulating launch safety.
Conclusion
The FAA’s order to complete over 60 corrective actions before allowing Starship to launch again highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and efficiency of space travel. While the timeline for completing these actions is uncertain, SpaceX has demonstrated its commitment to implementing the required changes and upgrades to ensure a successful launch in the future.
FAA Investigation Report
The FAA’s investigation report contains proprietary information and will not be released to the public.
SpaceX’s Commitment to Safety
In an update posted on its website, SpaceX emphasized its commitment to safety and efficiency. The company stated that it is committed to implementing the corrective actions required by the FAA and ensuring that Starship launches are safe and efficient in the future.
FAA’s Regulatory Role
The FAA plays a crucial role in regulating launch safety and ensuring that companies like SpaceX adhere to strict guidelines to prevent mishaps during space travel.
