The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX's Starship rocket while investigating a significant mishap that occurred during its latest test flight. The rocket, which is the most powerful ever built, disintegrated over the Caribbean after launching from Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday. The FAA is collaborating with SpaceX and other authorities to assess reports of damage to public property on the Turks and Caicos Islands, following the debris fallout.
The Starship rocket, crucial to Elon Musk's vision of Mars colonization, was programmed for a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean approximately an hour after its launch. However, the failure occurred due to what Elon Musk described as "preliminary indications" of an "oxygen/fuel leak in the cavity above the ship engine firewall." This incident led to the activation of a "debris response area" by the FAA, temporarily slowing aircraft near the debris zone.
Thursday's uncrewed launch marked Starship's seventh test mission and the inaugural flight of its taller, upgraded version. The upper stage of the rocket, now two meters taller than previous models, was intended to enhance its capabilities. The entire spacecraft, including the Super Heavy rocket, stands at 123 meters (403 feet) tall and is designed for full reusability. Notably, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to its launchpad about seven minutes post-liftoff as planned.
Elon Musk envisions using the Starship for long-haul journeys to Mars and back, each trip taking approximately nine months. Moreover, NASA plans to employ a modified version of this rocket as a human lunar lander for its Artemis missions, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon.
Despite these ambitious goals, the recent failure necessitates a thorough investigation. The FAA has instructed SpaceX to conduct a "mishap" investigation into the rocket's failure. This process will determine the cause and prevent future occurrences, ensuring the safety and reliability of subsequent missions.