FAA Confirms Investigation into SpaceX Starship Flight 7 Mishap and Property Damage Assessment

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FAA Calls for Mishap Investigation into SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7

In a significant development, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the necessity for a mishap investigation following SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7. This mission, which launched just a day ago, aimed to test a new upper-stage spacecraft. However, the excitement was short-lived as the flight concluded with the loss of the upper stage approximately ten minutes after liftoff, as it headed towards the Indian Ocean. Following this incident, SpaceX CEO and chief engineer, Elon Musk, expressed optimism that subsequent Starship tests could resume by February.

Potential Delays for Future Flights

Nonetheless, the extent of necessary work during the investigation might compel SpaceX to postpone Starship Flight 8 for several months. The company will need to collaborate closely with the FAA to ensure that all safety protocols are met and that future tests mitigate any risks to public safety.

Details from the FAA’s Statement

Shortly after the incident, the FAA issued a statement indicating that it is mandating a comprehensive mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle, which occurred on January 16. While there have been no fatalities reported in relation to the anomaly, the agency is coordinating with both SpaceX and local authorities to assess reports of damage to public property in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Understanding the Incident

According to Elon Musk, the mishap was attributed to a fire in the rocket’s lower section. Data transmission from the spacecraft ceased about eight and a half minutes after launch, with confirmation of the vehicle’s loss taking additional minutes. Following the anomaly, social media showcased footage from the Caribbean, depicting multiple debris trails as the upper stage re-entered the atmosphere.

Starship Super Heavy at stage separation — Starship Super Heavy during stage separation in a previous flight. Image: SpaceX

FAA’s Safety Measures

The FAA provided further insight into its immediate response to the incident, explaining that it activated a Debris Response Area and briefly restricted aircraft operations in locations outside the area where debris was expected to fall. The regulator noted that several planes requested to divert their courses due to low fuel while they waited outside affected zones. Typically, aircraft carry calculated amounts of fuel for efficiency, which can lead to challenges in such situations.

Contrasting Statements from SpaceX

In its communications, SpaceX previously stated that any debris that survived the incident would have descended into designated hazard areas, claiming that the Starship operated within its allocated launch corridor. However, the FAA’s preliminary assessment contradicts this, indicating that debris from the upper stage fell beyond the designated hazard zones.

Implications for Future Flights

The FAA has clarified that its findings are still in the preliminary stages and are subject to change. The mishap investigation could significantly delay SpaceX’s ability to secure a launch license for the anticipated Starship Flight 8. If this upcoming flight mirrors the objectives of Flight 7 and succeeds, SpaceX may be able to accelerate its testing schedule throughout the remainder of the year.

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