SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Approved for Launch During FAA Investigation

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The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket may soon return to flight operations even as an investigation into a recent mishap during a Starlink mission continues, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On Thursday, SpaceX requested approval to resume flights, and the FAA granted it on Friday, allowing operations to proceed as long as all other licensing requirements are met.
Earlier in the week, the FAA grounded the Falcon 9 after a landing failure during a routine Starlink mission. The rocket had successfully launched a batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Florida, but its reusable first-stage booster, which was supposed to land on a barge at sea, instead crashed into the ocean after a fiery touchdown. This marked the second time this year that the Falcon 9 has been grounded.

Groundings of the Falcon 9 are relatively uncommon. The rocket, which plays a crucial role in launching satellites and humans into space for much of the Western world, was previously grounded in July following a second-stage failure that resulted in the loss of a batch of Starlink satellites. After that incident, the FAA quickly approved SpaceX’s request to return to flight operations just 15 days later.

Despite the setback, SpaceX remains on track to launch two NASA astronauts in late September using its Crew Dragon spacecraft. These astronauts are expected to return next year, replacing the two currently stranded on the International Space Station after a problematic flight with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Since its first launch in 2010, SpaceX has developed a robust fleet of reusable Falcon boosters, enabling the company to launch far more frequently than its competitors. The company had planned another Starlink mission shortly after Wednesday's flight from its California launch site. However, the mission was postponed following the landing failure.