FAA Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Launch Mishap, Requires Upgrades Before Next Launch Attempt

FAA closes investigation into SpaceX's Starship launch mishap in April 2022
Investigation identified multiple causes and 63 corrective actions for SpaceX
SpaceX made upgrades to Starship, launch pad, and launch tower after mishap
Upgrades include hot staging, steel plate under pad, and engine deluge system
FAA says more regulatory steps needed before SpaceX can attempt another Starship launch

space.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/15/2023

Let the review begin—SpaceX takes another step toward launching Starship again

Main topic: The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing SpaceX's mishap investigation report on the April test flight of its Starship rocket. Key points: 1. SpaceX has completed its investigation into the test launch, which ended in engine failures and other problems. 2. The FAA's review is important for ensuring public safety during commercial launch operations. 3. Once the final mishap report is approved, SpaceX will be required to make corrective actions and modify its license before being authorized to launch again.

8/26/2023

SpaceX’s Botched Starship Launch Left Wildlife Officials Stunned

The explosion of SpaceX's Starship during its first orbital flight attempt caused extensive damage to the launchpad and surrounding area, leading wildlife officials to suspect that they were initially prevented from investigating the site, and experts believe that the failure to implement standard safety measures, such as a flame diverter and water deluge system, likely contributed to the destruction.

9/6/2023

SpaceX stacks giant Starship rocket ahead of 2nd test flight (photos)

SpaceX's Starship rocket is ready for its second test flight pending regulatory approval, with the fully reusable vehicle eventually intended for various spaceflight missions.

9/7/2023

SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight, FAA says

The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet cleared SpaceX for another test flight of its Starship Super Heavy launch vehicle due to the company's failure to meet the FAA's requirements following an explosion during the first test flight in April 2023.

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Make Safety Fixes Before Approving Starship Launch

The Federal Aviation Administration has identified 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must undertake before issuing a launch license for its next Starship rocket, following the explosion of its previous test flight and resulting damage to the launchpad.

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Fix Dozens of Issues Before Allowing More Starship Launches

The Federal Aviation Administration has completed its investigation into SpaceX's Starship rocket test launch in April, stating that the company must address multiple issues before launching again at Boca Chica in Texas.

9/10/2023

FAA Investigation Finds Flaws in SpaceX Starship, Requirements Could Delay Artemis Moon Plans

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its final report on SpaceX's Starship explosion, citing various contributing factors and recommending 63 actions to address flaws in the spacecraft's systems before it can resume flight testing, potentially causing delays in human-crewed space exploration and altering NASA's Artemis III mission.

9/27/2023

FAA Requires 21 Corrective Actions Before Blue Origin Can Relaunch New Shepard After Failed Cargo Mission

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed its investigation into Blue Origin's failed cargo mission, requiring the company to implement 21 corrective actions before being cleared for future launches.

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Posted 9/8/2023, 5:51:51 PM

FAA Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Launch Mishap, Requires Upgrades Before Next Launch Attempt

FAA closes investigation into SpaceX's Starship launch mishap in April 2022
Investigation identified multiple causes and 63 corrective actions for SpaceX
SpaceX made upgrades to Starship, launch pad, and launch tower after mishap
Upgrades include hot staging, steel plate under pad, and engine deluge system
FAA says more regulatory steps needed before SpaceX can attempt another Starship launch

space.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/15/2023

Let the review begin—SpaceX takes another step toward launching Starship again

8/26/2023

SpaceX’s Botched Starship Launch Left Wildlife Officials Stunned

9/6/2023

SpaceX stacks giant Starship rocket ahead of 2nd test flight (photos)

SpaceX's Starship rocket is ready for its second test flight pending regulatory approval, with the fully reusable vehicle eventually intended for various spaceflight missions.

9/7/2023

SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight, FAA says

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Make Safety Fixes Before Approving Starship Launch

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Fix Dozens of Issues Before Allowing More Starship Launches

9/10/2023

FAA Investigation Finds Flaws in SpaceX Starship, Requirements Could Delay Artemis Moon Plans

9/27/2023

FAA Requires 21 Corrective Actions Before Blue Origin Can Relaunch New Shepard After Failed Cargo Mission