After problems igniting a second propulsion stage caused a SpaceX “Falcon 9” rocket to break apart on Thursday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily banned further launches of the private space company’s rockets.
The FAA has ordered an investigation into the July 11 false start, according to the agency’s website. As a result, further missions could be postponed, including flights for the U.S. space agency NASA and private space tourists.
Flights are not expected to resume until the FAA “concludes that all systems, processes and procedures related to the accident do not pose a threat to public safety,” the aviation authority said in a statement.
Broke up shortly after starting
After hundreds of successful launches in recent years, the rocket encountered problems and broke apart shortly after liftoff on Thursday evening (local time). SpaceX boss Elon Musk announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the attempt to ignite the second propulsion stage of the Falcon 9 rocket had failed.
The rocket was supposed to launch 20 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. However, the satellites did not reach the required altitude. SpaceX is now trying to save the mission that began on Thursday.
So far, they have contacted five of the 20 satellites and want to influence their orbits using their ion drives, the company wrote on the short message service X of its boss Musk (pictured below).
The American billionaire added that SpaceX is updating the satellites’ software to fire their engines more powerfully than usual. This is intended to prevent re-entry into the atmosphere. “Unlike a Star Trek episode, this probably won’t work, but it’s worth a try,” Musk wrote.
More than 340 successful launches
According to US media, this is the first time since 2015 that such a rocket has failed after a series of about 300 successful launches of the ‘Falcon 9’ rocket. According to SpaceX, about 140 ‘Falcon 9’ rockets will be launched in 2024 alone, the New York Times reported.
The failed mission of the world’s most widely used rocket type ends a string of successes that had cemented SpaceX as an industry pioneer. “We knew this incredible streak had to end at some point, but 344 flights in a row is amazing,” said Tom Mueller, the former vice president of propulsion systems who designed the Falcon 9 engines.
Numerous countries and space companies rely on the private company to send their satellites and astronauts into space. Industry experts estimate the group’s value at around $200 billion. The critically endangered satellites could be worth at least $10 million.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
