FAA Concludes SpaceX Starship Test Flight Investigation
SpaceX required to implement 17 corrective actions before next launch, following improvements in second test flight.
- The FAA has concluded its investigation into SpaceX's second Starship test flight, requiring 17 corrective actions before future launches.
- SpaceX's second Starship test flight saw improvements, including successful stage separation and a near doubling of thrust compared to NASA's Space Launch System.
- The root cause of the Super Heavy booster's explosion was identified as a filter blockage, leading to engine failure.
- SpaceX has implemented changes to prevent future incidents, including hardware redesigns and a shift to an entirely electric steering system for Raptor engines.
- SpaceX aims for Starship to be a fully reusable launch system for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond, with a third test flight planned soon.