Key Points
- After reviewing the September mishap investigation, the FAA approves Falcon 9’s return to flight.
- Falcon 9 is set to launch the ESA’s Hera spacecraft on Monday.
- The FAA is still reviewing SpaceX’s Starship 5 test launch license, which is expected by late November.
- Elon Musk criticizes FAA delays and threatens legal action, calling for the resignation of the FAA Administrator.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday that it has approved the return of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to flight after reviewing and accepting the findings and corrective actions from a SpaceX-led investigation. The review stemmed from a malfunction on September 28, when the second stage of the Falcon 9 failed after a NASA astronaut mission, leading to the booster landing outside the designated safety zone in the Pacific Ocean. It marked the third grounding of Falcon 9 in three months.
In addition to the September incident, the FAA closed investigations into two other Falcon 9 mishaps during Starlink missions in July and August. Despite the setbacks, the FAA has cleared Falcon 9 for its next mission. The workhorse rocket is set to launch the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft from Florida as early as Monday.
Meanwhile, the FAA is also reviewing the proposed launch of SpaceX’s Starship 5, the company’s fifth test flight of its fully reusable spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket. Starship is designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. While SpaceX had initially expected to launch Starship 5 in August, delays in obtaining regulatory approval have pushed the launch date further. The FAA has repeatedly said it does not anticipate deciding on a license for Starship 5 until late November, though reports suggest approval could come soon.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has openly criticized the FAA for the delays in approving the license for Starship 5. Musk has argued that the rocket has been ready for launch since August and has expressed frustration over the agency’s slow decision-making process. He has even called for FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker’s resignation and threatened to take legal action against the agency. In addition, the FAA has proposed a $633,000 fine against SpaceX over unresolved launch issues, further adding to the tension between Musk and the regulatory body.
Despite these challenges, SpaceX continues to work toward its ambitious goals in space exploration, with Falcon 9 resuming flights and Starship 5 poised for its next test launch once regulatory approval is secured.
