WASHINGTON - For all of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s enthusiasm about the orbital test flight of Starship, last week’s launch has sidelined the project for the time being. Shortly after Thursday’s test flight concluded in a ball of flames, reports emerged that the FAA has grounded Starship as it conducts an investigation into the reason behind the explosion—and as others examine the potential health and safety hazards it created, Jack Daleo reports for reports for Flying. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
27 April 2023 - "An anomaly occurred during the ascent and prior to stage separation resulting in a loss of the vehicle," the FAA said in a statement following the explosion of the SpaceX rocket. "No injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA will oversee the mishap investigation of the Starship / Super Heavy test mission."
The FAA told Flying that investigations in events like these might conclude in "a matter of weeks" or it "might take several months."
The gigantic two-stage rocket was set to reach some 90 miles above the surface of the Earth, but suffered a failure approximately 25 miles off the ground. Still, SpaceX officials were heartened the primary goal - achieving liftoff - was accomplished.
The company said the rocket "experienced multiple engines out" during its climb and then "lost altitude and began to tumble," then "flight termination system was commanded on both the booster and the ship."
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
