The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instructed SpaceX to conduct an investigation into a mishap involving the Super Heavy booster during the 12th flight test of the Starship rocket. The incident occurred during the booster’s return flight over the Gulf of Mexico after stage separation. The FAA will supervise the investigation process and approve SpaceX’s final report and any necessary corrective actions.
A mishap investigation, as stated by the FAA, aims to improve public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence. The FAA emphasized that the return to flight for the Starship Super Heavy booster is contingent upon ensuring that no system, process, or procedure related to the mishap poses a risk to public safety.
No injuries or damage to public property were reported following the incident. The Starship, launched from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, experienced a premature shutdown of one engine during ascent. Despite this, the upper stage of the Starship successfully ignited its engines and continued its journey towards space.
The Super Heavy booster, after stage separation, encountered issues during its boostback burn, resulting in a partial burn before a premature termination. This led to a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the Starship upper stage managed to maintain its trajectory and execute its planned coast phase.
During the coast phase, the Starship deployed simulators and satellites for data collection. The mission also involved testing the vehicle’s heatshield and structural strength during reentry. Starship successfully completed its landing flip manoeuvre and splashdown in the Indian Ocean as intended.
