SpaceX's Close-Up: FAA Wraps Up Investigation, Looks for License Approval Ahead of Third Starship Flight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially closed its investigation into the second Starship flight conducted by SpaceX. The investigation, which was conducted in collaboration with SpaceX, focused on the November 18 launch of a Starship prototype that ultimately reached space before being intentionally destroyed due to a technical issue with the rocket. The FAA oversaw SpaceX's investigation and noted that the company had identified 17 corrective actions as a result of the incident.

In a statement, the FAA highlighted that prior to the next launch, SpaceX must implement all corrective actions and receive a license for the launch. The agency is currently evaluating SpaceX's license modification request and anticipates that additional required information will be submitted by SpaceX before a final determination can be made.

Space X and the new flight

In a post on its website, SpaceX provided insights into the issues that led to the premature termination of the second Starship launch. The company revealed that the "Super Heavy" booster's 33 engines operated as intended during the ascent. However, after the upper part of the Starship separated from the booster, several engines began to shut down, with one engine ultimately failing. This cascade of engine issues led to the break-up of the booster. Additionally, a leak in the rear of the spacecraft developed, causing a combustion event and subsequent fires, which resulted in the disconnection between the spacecraft's flight computers and the shutdown of Starship's six engines. The flight termination system, a standard safety feature in rockets, was then triggered.

SpaceX emphasized that it has already implemented changes in upcoming Starship vehicles to address the issues from the second test flight, including upgrades to the booster and Starship prototypes that are scheduled for the third test flight. The 17 corrective actions following the second Starship flight represent a significant improvement from the first, which required 63 corrective actions before the rocket could launch again.

Despite the challenges faced during the second Starship flight, SpaceX is looking ahead to its next launch. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has indicated the company's readiness to conduct the third Starship test flight as soon as mid-March. However, regulatory approval in the form of a license from the FAA is needed before the launch can proceed.

The closure of the FAA's investigation into SpaceX's second Starship flight marks a pivotal milestone as the company works towards addressing the technical challenges encountered and prepares for future launches. With ongoing evaluation and regulatory processes, the space community eagerly anticipates SpaceX's next steps in the testing and development of its Starship program.