SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Grounded After Rare Engine Failure During Starlink Launch
SpaceX’s workhorse rocket, the Falcon 9, has been grounded following a rare inflight failure during a Starlink satellite launch on Thursday. The incident, which occurred during the mission’s second stage burn, has prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will determine when launches can resume.
This setback marks a significant deviation from the Falcon 9’s impressive track record of success, which has seen more than 300 consecutive successful orbital launches since 2015. The failure is also a setback for SpaceX’s ambitious plans to significantly expand its Starlink network of internet satellites.
Key Takeaways:
- Rare Failure: The Falcon 9 experienced a rare inflight failure after its second stage engine failed to reignite as planned.
- Cause Under Investigation: The cause of the failure is currently unknown and under investigation by SpaceX and the FAA.
- Satellite Deployment Impacted: While the 20 Starlink satellites were successfully deployed, they were placed in a lower than intended orbit due to the engine failure.
- Satellite Loss: SpaceX confirmed that the satellites, which are in an "enormously high-drag environment," will not be recovered and will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up.
- Grounding of Falcon 9: The FAA has grounded the Falcon 9 until SpaceX completes its investigation and submits a final report, which the agency must approve.
- Launch Delays: The grounding is likely to delay future launches, including two crewed missions: the Polaris Dawn mission and NASA’s Crew-9.
A Rare Setback for a Reliable Rocket
The Falcon 9 has been a workhorse for SpaceX, achieving a level of reliability rarely seen in the space industry. The rocket’s success has stemmed from its design, which incorporates reusable components, allowing for significant cost savings and faster launch schedules.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the cause of the engine failure is currently unknown, though he mentioned a "liquid oxygen leak" in the second stage.
"Upper stage restart to raise perigee resulted in an engine RUD for reasons currently unknown," Musk wrote on social media. "RUD," or "rapid unscheduled disassembly," is a term SpaceX uses to refer to an explosive or destructive event. The company said in a later update that the engine failure came after a leak of liquid oxygen in the second stage.**"
FAA Investigation
The FAA will be heavily involved in the investigation, reviewing SpaceX’s findings and authorizing the return to flight. The agency has outlined its role in a statement released to CNBC:
"The FAA will be involved in every step of the investigation process and must approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions."
Impact on Future Launches
The grounding of the Falcon 9 is likely to cause significant delays to SpaceX’s launch schedule. The company had been on an ambitious pace, averaging a launch every two to three days.
Two crewed missions, Polaris Dawn and NASA’s Crew-9, are among the launches that will likely be delayed, potentially affecting the timelines for these important space missions.
Satellite Deployment Issues
Despite the engine failure, SpaceX successfully deployed the 20 Starlink satellites. However, they were placed in a lower than intended orbit, which will ultimately lead to their re-entry and destruction.
SpaceX is attempting to recover some of the satellites by utilizing their onboard thrusters to climb to a higher altitude. However, the "enormously high-drag environment" of their current orbit makes recovery unlikely.
"They do not pose a threat to other satellites in orbit or to public safety," SpaceX wrote on its website regarding the re-entry of the satellites.
The Future of Falcon 9
While the Falcon 9 has experienced a minor setback, its overall reliability remains impressive. The investigation will likely result in corrective actions that will further improve the rocket’s safety and performance.
The grounding and subsequent investigation will result in delays to SpaceX’s launch schedule, but the company’s impressive track record and the critical role of the Falcon 9 in its future plans suggest that SpaceX will likely overcome this hurdle.
The incident underscores the inherent risks involved in space exploration and highlights the crucial role that safety and investigation play in ensuring the continued success of these endeavors. As the investigation unfolds, the space community will be watching closely for updates on the cause of the failure and any potential long-term effects on SpaceX’s ambitious plans.
