FAA grounds SpaceX flights pending safety investigation

The American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to temporarily halt SpaceX rocket flights after the upper stage of the Starship/Super Heavy launch system exploded during a test. Fragments of the spacecraft fell to Earth, prompting the need for an investigation.

The seventh test flight of the world's largest rocket took place on January 16th. The Starship/Super Heavy system launched from the base near Boca Chica in Texas. After the upper stage detached, the Super Heavy module returned to Earth and was caught by the mechanical arms of the launch tower, known as Mechazilla, marking a successful recovery.

However, alongside this success, SpaceX also experienced a significant failure. The upper stage, Ship 33, exploded at an altitude of 147 kilometres, and its debris fell to Earth, including on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

"The FAA requires SpaceX to conduct an investigation into the accident involving the loss of the Starship vehicle (...)" reads a statement from the agency. The investigation aims to enhance public safety and identify remedial actions.

SpaceX reported that the explosion was caused by a fire in the spacecraft's engine section, resulting from an oxygen/fuel leak. Elon Musk announced on platform X that the company will implement additional safety measures, including a fire suppression system. "In addition to double-checking the seals, we will add a fire suppression system and probably increase the vent area," Musk wrote.

Before SpaceX resumes Starship rocket flights, the FAA must approve the company's final investigation report. "The return to flight depends on the FAA's determination that no system, process, or procedure related to the crash affects public safety," emphasized the statement. SpaceX assures that it is cooperating with the FAA to resume tests as soon as possible.