FAA orders SpaceX to investigate Starship V3 booster failure
TechCrunch • • general
Key Points:
- The FAA has mandated SpaceX to investigate the failure of its Starship booster during the May 22 test flight, halting further Starship launches until the investigation is complete and approved.
- The booster experienced engine failures shortly after stage separation, causing it to tumble and likely explode upon impact in the Gulf of Mexico, though no public injuries or property damage were reported.
- This test flight was the first launch of SpaceX’s upgraded "V3" Starship, which included new design tweaks and third-generation Raptor engines aimed at improving reliability.
- Despite the booster failure, the Starship vehicle itself also suffered an engine loss, leading SpaceX to abandon some test objectives, but the company views such failures as part of the development process toward creating a reliable, reusable rocket.
- The FAA has similarly required mishap investigations for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which was recently cleared to resume flights with a launch expected soon.