SpaceX Launches Halted

spaceX logo
SpaceX Headquarters

(TheIndependentStar.com) – In a significant twist in the fast-evolving space race, SpaceX has halted its Falcon 9 launches due to an upper-stage anomaly.

While this event underscores the complexities and risks involved in space exploration, SpaceX’s commitment to safety and reliability will be put to the test as it investigates the root cause of this anomaly.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket due to an issue with the rocket’s second stage missing its deorbit landing target zone.

The problem arose during the Crew-9 launch from Cape Canaveral on September 28.

Despite the upper stage’s mishap, the Crew Dragon had successfully docked with the International Space Station with two passengers on board.

The second stage of the Falcon 9 landed outside the designated hazard area. Fortunately, it caused no public injuries or property damage, but safety protocols required an immediate investigation.

The FAA confirmed the grounding this week, reinforcing the regulatory oversight necessary to maintain high standards in the commercial space sector.

Moreover, the FAA is currently conducting an investigation to determine the root cause of the anomaly and ensure that corrective actions prevent future occurrences.

This recent incident marks the third time the Falcon 9 has been grounded this year, emphasizing the importance of rigorous precautions in space missions.

“The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX NASA Crew-9 mission that launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28,” the emailed statement read.

It continued, “The incident involved the Falcon 9 second stage landing outside of the designated hazard area. No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation.”

SpaceX announced the halt in launches via social media. The FAA’s requirement for a thorough investigation means that forthcoming SpaceX missions, including those slated to launch from California, could experience delays.

The next planned launch for the OneWeb Launch 20 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base was set for October 9.

Meanwhile, this anomaly also affected other upcoming launches, such as a Starlink mission on October 5, the Hera mission for the European Space Agency on October 7 and the Europa Clipper mission for NASA set for October 10.

This anomaly adds to previous incidents, including an upper stage issue in July with a liquid oxygen leak.

“The FAA investigates commercial space incidents to determine the root cause and identify corrective actions so they won’t happen again,” the FAA asserted after the incident.

SpaceX reassured the public that it would resume launches only after thoroughly understanding the root cause of the issue.

The second stage was disposed of in the ocean as planned but experienced an off nominal deorbit burn, landing outside the targeted area.

Copyright 2024, TheIndependentStar.com