FAA Approves SpaceX Falcon 9 Return to Flight After Investigation
WASHINGTON: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to return to flight on Friday. This came after the agency reviewed and accepted SpaceX’s investigation findings and corrective actions following a mishap on September 28.
Earlier, on September 30, the FAA had grounded the Falcon 9. It demanded SpaceX investigate why the second stage of the rocket malfunctioned after a NASA astronaut mission. The malfunction caused the booster to land in an unintended area of the Pacific Ocean, beyond the FAA-approved safety zone.
On Friday, the FAA announced it had officially closed the investigations into Falcon 9 mishaps. These included incidents involving SpaceX’s Starlink missions in July and August.
As a result, the FAA cleared Falcon 9 for its next mission, which is scheduled for Monday. The mission will launch the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft from Florida. This marks a significant moment for SpaceX as the Falcon 9 is its workhorse rocket, known for its reliability and multiple successful missions.
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Transition to Starship 5 Launch
Meanwhile, a separate report by Reuters suggested the FAA may soon approve SpaceX’s license for Starship 5’s launch. The launch could take place as soon as this month. Starship 5 is the fifth test of SpaceX’s ambitious Starship system, designed to carry crew and cargo to orbit, the Moon, and beyond.
Starship, paired with its Super Heavy rocket, represents a fully reusable launch system. SpaceX aims to use it for missions that extend far beyond Earth, promising a revolution in space exploration.
Last month, the FAA indicated that the decision on the license for Starship 5 would not come before November. SpaceX, however, stated that the rocket has been ready for launch since August. The company hopes to launch the fifth test flight of Starship as early as this Sunday, though this depends on regulatory approval.
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Elon Musk Criticizes FAA
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has not been shy in expressing his frustration with the FAA. Recently, he harshly criticized the agency for delaying the approval of Starship 5’s launch license. The tension has escalated with Musk even calling for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. Moreover, Musk threatened to sue the agency for what he sees as unnecessary delays.
Adding to the conflict, the FAA proposed a $633,000 fine against SpaceX for launch issues. Musk argued that these delays are hampering SpaceX’s progress, especially as Starship plays a crucial role in the company’s future missions.
Despite these disputes, the FAA continues to stand by its review process. On Tuesday, the agency said it is still assessing the proposed Starship 5 mission. It reiterated that it would make a decision “once SpaceX has met all licensing requirements.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the FAA to see when it will finally greenlight the highly anticipated Starship 5 launch. For now, the focus is on Falcon 9’s return to flight and the upcoming Hera mission.
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