SpaceX is seeking permission to launch its Falcon 9 rocket again pending a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation into last week’s accident.
The FAA is currently investigating the accident, which occurred during the Starlink 9-3 mission earlier this month.
On July 11, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink internet satellites. A liquid oxygen leak caused the anomaly.This will prevent the second stage from orbiting before releasing the high-speed internet gear.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk elaborated on the Starlink satellite issues:
“While restarting the upper stage to raise the perigee, the engine failed for unknown reasons. Teams will review data tonight to determine the root cause. Starlink satellites were deployed, but the perigee may have been too low to raise the orbit. We will have more details in the coming hours.”
The FAA released a statement shortly thereafter.
“The FAA is aware of an anomaly during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 mission, which launched from Vandenberg Space Command Base in California on July 11. The incident was the result of an upper stage rocket failure in space. No public injuries or damage to public property have been reported. The FAA has requested an investigation.”
The investigation is ongoing, but SpaceX is considering resuming Falcon 9 launches before the FAA completes its analysis.
according to Space Flight Now, On July 15, SpaceX asked the FAA to restore rocket launch capabilities before the FAA’s investigation is concluded.
“The FAA is reviewing the request and will act with data and safety as the cornerstone of every step of the process. The FAA has the responsibility and responsibility to protect the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations. The FAA is reviewing the request and will act with data and safety as the cornerstone of every step of the process.”
The FAA could allow a rocket to fly again after a problem occurs under two scenarios: the final investigation report would acknowledge the launch operator-initiated incident and require the operator to identify and resolve corrective measures;
The other is a “public safety determination,” which would only be in effect if “the incident did not involve a safety-critical system or endanger public safety,” the FAA said.
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