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

The FAA concluded a 5-month investigation into the SpaceX Starship explosion in April.
The FAA report cited flaws needing correction in areas like the Autonomous Flight Safety System.
SpaceX must implement the FAA's 63 recommendations before Starship can return to flight testing.
Delays in Starship could impact NASA's Artemis missions to the Moon.
If Starship is not ready, Artemis III in 2025 may just visit the Gateway station, delaying lunar landings.

autoevolution.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 Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Mishap, Requires Extensive Corrective Actions Before Next Launch

The FAA has closed its investigation into the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap and has listed 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must take before the next launch can occur.

9/8/2023

SpaceX Makes Safety Changes After Starship Explosion Damaged Launch Pad

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered SpaceX to make significant changes to its infrastructure and processes before being allowed to launch another rocket following the destruction of its launch pad in April.

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.

Topics

Posted 9/10/2023, 8:14:10 PM

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

The FAA concluded a 5-month investigation into the SpaceX Starship explosion in April.
The FAA report cited flaws needing correction in areas like the Autonomous Flight Safety System.
SpaceX must implement the FAA's 63 recommendations before Starship can return to flight testing.
Delays in Starship could impact NASA's Artemis missions to the Moon.
If Starship is not ready, Artemis III in 2025 may just visit the Gateway station, delaying lunar landings.

autoevolution.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 Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Mishap, Requires Extensive Corrective Actions Before Next Launch

The FAA has closed its investigation into the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap and has listed 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must take before the next launch can occur.

9/8/2023

SpaceX Makes Safety Changes After Starship Explosion Damaged Launch Pad

9/8/2023

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