Topics

Posted 9/6/2023, 11:50:00 PM

SpaceX's giant Starship is 'ready to launch' again, Elon Musk says, after the first attempt left a crater in the launchpad

SpaceX is ready to launch its Starship rocket again after making over 1,000 design modifications, pending FAA approval.
The first orbital test flight in April failed when Starship couldn't separate from its booster and exploded mid-flight.
Debris from the April launch reached a town 5 miles away and left a crater in the launchpad.
SpaceX added a vent and heat shield between Starship and its booster for the next launch attempt.
The company also repaired and reinforced the launchpad to withstand Starship's powerful liftoff.

businessinsider.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

Wildlife officials say SpaceX launch left behind significant damage

SpaceX's Starship launch, which resulted in an explosion, was a planned part of the company's milestone achievement, but it also left behind devastating destruction to the local environment, including burned acres and incinerated wildlife, according to a report by U.S. Wildlife officials.

9/1/2023

Pension fund sues Jeff Bezos and Amazon for not using Falcon 9 rockets

Amazon's decision to exclude SpaceX from its launch services for the Project Kuiper megaconstellation reveals the extent of Jeff Bezos' personal rivalry with Elon Musk, according to a lawsuit filed by shareholders.

9/6/2023

Starship is stacked and ready to make its second launch attempt

SpaceX has stacked its Starship rocket on top of a Super Heavy booster in preparation for a second test flight, pending regulatory approval from the FAA.

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.

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.

Topics

Posted 9/6/2023, 11:50:00 PM

SpaceX's giant Starship is 'ready to launch' again, Elon Musk says, after the first attempt left a crater in the launchpad

SpaceX is ready to launch its Starship rocket again after making over 1,000 design modifications, pending FAA approval.
The first orbital test flight in April failed when Starship couldn't separate from its booster and exploded mid-flight.
Debris from the April launch reached a town 5 miles away and left a crater in the launchpad.
SpaceX added a vent and heat shield between Starship and its booster for the next launch attempt.
The company also repaired and reinforced the launchpad to withstand Starship's powerful liftoff.

businessinsider.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/15/2023

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

8/26/2023

Wildlife officials say SpaceX launch left behind significant damage

9/1/2023

Pension fund sues Jeff Bezos and Amazon for not using Falcon 9 rockets

9/6/2023

Starship is stacked and ready to make its second launch attempt

SpaceX has stacked its Starship rocket on top of a Super Heavy booster in preparation for a second test flight, pending regulatory approval from the FAA.

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

9/10/2023

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