After the ‘Starship’ explosion: The FAA regulatory authority reprimands SpaceX

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“The final report identifies numerous reasons for the accident on April 20, 2023, and 63 corrections that SpaceX must make to prevent the accident from happening again,” the FAA said in a statement Friday.

Changes would need to be made to the missile system and launch pad, as well as additional analysis and testing, the report said. No further details were initially given. No new testing of the “Starship” may take place until all improvement measures affecting public safety have been taken and an amended permit has been issued. SpaceX said several improvement measures have already been implemented.

The ‘Starship’ took off for the first time in mid-April for an unmanned test launch – and four minutes later it exploded and shattered. Billionaire Elon Musk, whose space company SpaceX developed and built the “Starship” rocket system, saw this not as a setback but as an “exciting test launch.” Musk had always emphasized that the next test start should follow as soon as possible.

The ‘Starship’ – consisting of the approximately 70 meter long ‘Super Heavy’ booster and the approximately 50 meter long upper stage, also called ‘Starship’ – is intended to enable manned missions to the Moon and Mars. The system is designed so that the spacecraft and rocket can be reused after return to Earth. The system, which is approximately 120 meters long in total, will be able to transport more than 100 tons of freight in the future. NASA wants to take astronauts to the moon with the ‘Starship’. SpaceX hopes to one day reach Mars. (SDA)

Source: Blick