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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed its investigation into the failed attempt to launch SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket into space. The final report mentions several reasons for the misfortune of the first attempt. The FAA announced a total of 63 corrections that SpaceX must make before the next launch attempt.
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Starship launches put on hold for now
According to the FAA, corrective actions include “redesigning the rocket to prevent leaks and fires, making adjustments to the launch pad to increase its robustness, incorporating additional reviews into the design process, additional analysis and testing of safety-critical systems and components – including the autonomous flight safety system – and the application of additional change control procedures.
The FAA does not provide further details in its statement – but makes it clear that “the completion of the accident investigation does not mean that Starship launches from Boca Chica will immediately resume.” SpaceX must first carry out all measures that affect public safety and a license change before the next launch at the FAA apply for and receive “that meets all safety, environmental and other applicable legal requirements”.
First test flight – consequences partly devastating
In April, Starship embarked on its first unmanned test flight and was supposed to reach space and fly almost around the Earth. After the first successful start However, the giant rocket got out of control and exploded at an altitude of around 37 kilometers after the flight abort system was triggered.
During the ascent, according to SpaceX, fires occurred due to propellant leaks in the rear of the super heavy booster, which eventually lost connection to the primary flight computer. This led to the loss of communication with most of the booster engines and ultimately to the loss of control of the rocket.
The launch also caused enormous noise significant damage to the launch pad. Pieces of concrete were blasted into the area and found at a greater distance than expected – clouds of dust raised traveled six miles. An eight meter deep crater was reported, even though not all engines fired or failed. Even at least one window was shattered eight kilometers away.
Lawsuit against the FAA
After an adjacent nature reserve was also affected, several environmental protection organizations and a cultural preservation group reached out Lawsuit against the FAA because SpaceX had not imposed any stricter requirements.
Although it is SpaceX is ready again for the next launch of the giant rocketwhich is fully assembled on the site in Texas until the FAA’s requirements are met, the second launch will probably not happen for the time being.
SpaceX was confident about X on Friday. Testing development components in a flight environment enables rapid design changes and hardware upgrades and increases the chance of success. During the first Starship test, an enormous amount was learned about the rocket and ground systems.
(bme)
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