The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship following an investigation into the explosion of the spacecraft during its maiden voyage on April 20. The FAA has identified 63 “corrective actions” that SpaceX must implement before it can seek clearance for another launch, a setback that could impact NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon in the near future.
The four-minute flight of Starship was abruptly cut short when multiple engines failed, forcing the company to intentionally destroy the spacecraft mid-air. This incident has raised concerns about public safety and prompted the FAA to take action. SpaceX must now address these safety concerns, as well as other regulatory requirements, before being granted permission for another launch.
The explosion not only destroyed the spacecraft but also resulted in the scattering of debris and dust over Boca Chica, Texas, the location of the launch. Additionally, a 3.5-acre fire broke out in Boca Chica State Park as a consequence. CNBC, citing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reported these environmental impacts.
Despite Elon Musk stating that the Starship is ready for another launch, the FAA has pushed back against this notion. In a statement, the agency clarified that the closure of the mishap investigation does not imply an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica.
With the FAA grounding the Starship until the necessary corrective actions are taken, SpaceX faces an uphill battle to regain clearance for future launches. This setback not only poses challenges for the company but also has potential implications for NASA’s ambitious plans to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in over half a century.
