FAA Halts Starship Launches Amid Investigation into Booster Failure
The FAA has mandated that SpaceX conduct a thorough investigation into the failure of its Starship V3 booster, pausing all further test launches until the investigation is complete.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX to investigate a failure involving its Starship V3 booster during a test flight on May 22, leading to a suspension of further launches until the investigation concludes and results are submitted for FAA approval.
The FAA stated that during the flight—designated Flight 12—the Super Heavy booster encountered a mishap after stage separation, with no reported injuries or damage to public property. An apparent engine failure occurred when the booster attempted a sustained burn to return toward the Gulf of America, resulting in it tumbling and likely exploding upon impact. The booster had successfully separated from the Starship, which is a key component of SpaceX's upgraded rocket system.
Both the booster and Starship experienced failures during the flight, including the loss of an engine on Starship, which affected planned testing objectives for sustained burning in orbit. SpaceX has implemented numerous design changes in this third version of Starship, aiming for enhanced reliability and reusability, essential for reducing costs in heavy payload launches.
The FAA's oversight continues as it requires SpaceX and other companies, including competitor Blue Origin, to conduct investigations into mishaps throughout the development of their respective launch systems. Blue Origin recently received clearance to proceed with its New Glenn rocket, which is expected to attempt another launch in the near future.