FAA halts largest rocket, Elon Musk instructed to take corrective measures.
SpaceX Faces Regulatory Hurdles Before Relaunching Mega-Rocket
The highly anticipated debut of SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s largest rocket, ended in a fiery explosion in April. Now, federal regulators have outlined the steps the company must take before attempting another launch.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded its investigation into the failed debut and has identified 63 corrective actions that SpaceX needs to address. Additionally, the company must apply for a modified FAA license before it can proceed with future launches.
The FAA attributed the launch explosion to multiple issues, which resulted in debris scattering over a wide area. SpaceX’s founder, Elon Musk, responded to the incident by making improvements to the rocket and strengthening the launch pad.
Despite the setback, a new Starship is now positioned on the redesigned pad, ready for liftoff. However, this time it will fly empty, just as it did before.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 6, 2023
In a social media post, Musk revealed that ”thousands of upgrades” are being implemented to enhance the Starship and launchpad.
Thousands of upgrades to Starship & launchpad/Mechazilla https://t.co/AZaOuLLet4
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 8, 2023
During the initial test flight, the rocketship lost control shortly after liftoff and had to be destroyed. The wreckage ultimately crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.
Fuel leaks during ascent caused fires to erupt at the tail of the rocket, resulting in a disconnection from the main flight computer and a subsequent loss of control, according to SpaceX. The company acknowledges that the failed flight provided valuable lessons.
Looking ahead, NASA plans to utilize the Starship for lunar missions in the coming years, while Musk’s ultimate ambition is to establish a fleet of Starships for transporting people and supplies to Mars.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post FAA Grounds World’s Biggest Rocket, Elon Musk Ordered to Complete Corrective Actions appeared first on The Western Journal.
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