The US FAA has cleared the SpaceX Falcon 9 to return to flight after a flawed investigation by Reuters
Written by David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday it had authorized the return to flight of the SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle after it reviewed and accepted the results of a SpaceX-led investigation and corrective measures that occurred on Sept. 28.
The FAA on Sept. 30 said SpaceX had to investigate why the second stage of its Falcon 9 malfunctioned after a NASA astronaut's trip, halting the vehicle's third launch in three months.
The malfunction caused the booster to crash into the Pacific Ocean outside of the FAA-mandated safety zone.
The FAA also said Friday it had closed an investigation led by SpaceX into the Falcon 9 malfunctions that occurred with Starlink missions in July and August.
On Sunday, the FAA said the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket could return to flight only on Monday aboard the European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft from Florida.
Separately, Reuters reported this week that the FAA could approve a launch license for SpaceX's Starship 5 as soon as this month. Starship 5 is the fifth test launch of the company's Starship rocket.
The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are fully reusable systems designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon and beyond.
Last month, the FAA said it did not expect to make a decision on the license before the end of November. SpaceX said Monday's fifth Starship flight test could begin Sunday, pending regulatory approval.
The FAA has repeatedly said it did not expect to make a decision on the license until late November. On Tuesday it said it was still reviewing the proposed operation and would make a decision “once SpaceX has met all licensing requirements.”
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has lashed out at the FAA, including proposing a $633,000 fine against SpaceX over launch issues and delays in licensing Starship 5, which the company says is ready to launch as early as August. Musk has called for the resignation of FAA Director Mike Whitaker and threatened to sue the agency.
