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Elon Musk says there is a ‘good chance’ SpaceX’s SN10 spacecraft will launch this week after FAA closes investigation into SN9 explosive test flight
- SpaceX could launch its Starship SN 10 prototype this week, Elon Musk said
- The company was under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration
- The investigation looked into the root cause of the explosion of the prototype SN9
- The agency found no endangerment, considering that SN10 was cleared for take off
- SN10 performed the same high altitude flight six miles in the air
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed its investigation into the explosion of SpaceX’s Startship SN9 prototype “paving the way for the SN10 test flight.”
The investigation was aimed at ensuring the safety of operations, which found that the explosion did not endanger the public and that the debris was contained in designated danger zones.
The FAA’s announcement means SpaceX can move forward with the launch of its latest prototype, which CEO Elon Musk says has “a good chance of flying this week.”
Road closures around SpaceX’s facilities in Boca Chica, Texas, indicate that spaceflight activities are scheduled for February 22 from 9:00 a.m. GMT to 6:00 p.m. GMT, but it’s unclear whether the company is testing or whether the world will see SN10 reach its first mile high. flight.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed its investigation into the explosion of SpaceX’s Startship SN9 prototype “paving the way for the SN10 test flight.” And Elon Musk says it could happen this week
The FAA opened an investigation into SpaceX following the launch of its Starship SN9 on February 2 that ended with the rocket bursting into a ball of flame as it attempted to land.
SN9 took off around 3:24 p.m. ET on February 4 from SpaceX’s Boca Chica test facility.
The massive rocket reached the six mile target about four minutes after it began its flight, then made an aerodynamic sideways descent, falling to earth.
However, the prototype was unable to maneuver in an upright position before landing on the launch pad, hampering its ability to stick on landing.
Road closures around SpaceX’s facilities in Boca Chica, Texas, indicate that spaceflight activities are scheduled for February 22 from 9:00 a.m. GMT to 6:00 p.m. GMT, but it’s unclear whether the company is testing or whether the world will see SN10 reach its first mile high. flight
Elon Musk hinted on Twitter that SpaceX could launch the Starship SN10 this week
It landed with a deafening crash and exploded into bright orange flames and a cloud of dust, but the fire did not spread.
After the launch, the FAA opened an investigation into the crash to determine if SpaceX was following the protocols – specifically that no one or nothing had been endangered during the explosion.
“The FAA’s top priority in regulating commercial space transportation is to ensure the safety of operations, even in the event of an anomaly,” the federal agency told DailyMail.com in a statement.
The FAA’s investigation into the SN9 explosion (pictured) was aimed at ensuring the safety of operations, which found the explosion did not endanger the public and the debris was contained in designated danger zones .
“The FAA will oversee the investigation into the landing accident involving the SpaceX Starship SN9 prototype in Boca Chica, Texas.”
“Although this is an unmanned test flight, the investigation will identify the root cause of today’s crash and possible opportunities to further improve safety as the program is growing. “
Like many who watched the live stream, the FAA concluded that the failure occurred during the rocket reentry.
‘SN9 vehicle failed within FAA safety analysis limits,’ FAA spokesperson said CNN. “ Its unsuccessful landing and explosion did not endanger the public or property. ”
The announcement means SN10 would launch from the test center and attempt the iconic ‘belly flop’ maneuver on return – but hopefully the latest prototype can still land unlike its predecessors.
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