Space industry - The US aviation authority stops further launches of SpaceX rockets
Due to issues with igniting a second stage of a Falcon-9-Rocket from SpaceX, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily halted further launches of the private space company's rockets. The FAA ordered an investigation into the July 11th launch failure, according to the agency's website. This could potentially delay upcoming missions, including flights for the US space agency NASA and with private space tourists.
The FAA stated further, "The resumption of flights is based on the FAA's determination that all systems, processes, and procedures related to the anomaly do not pose a risk to public safety."
The rocket experienced issues shortly after launch on Thursday evening (local time) and disintegrated. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, reported via messaging service "X" that the attempt to ignite the second stage of the Falcon-9-Rocket had failed.
SpaceX has lost contact with all satellites on board
The rocket was supposed to launch 20 Starlink-Internet satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California into their orbit. However, they did not reach the necessary altitude. The contact with all satellites has been lost, according to SpaceX's website. They will therefore re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrate. There is no danger to other satellites or the public, the statement continued.
According to US media, it is the first time since 2015 that a Falcon 9 rocket has disintegrated after approximately 300 successful launches. SpaceX plans to launch around 140 Falcon-9-Rockets in 2024, as reported by the "New York Times".
- The temporary halt in SpaceX's rocket launches is being overseen by the United States of America's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- NASA and private space tourists might face delays in their upcoming missions due to the FAA's investigation into the SpaceX rocket launch failure.
- Despite the temporary halt, renowned space company SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, aims to launch around 140 Falcon-9-Rockets in 2024, as reported by the "New York Times".
- NASA and SpaceX have a collaboration in space travel, and any delay could impact NASA's space industry plans.
- Santa Barbara-based telecommunication company, SpaceX, had planned to launch 20 Starlink-Internet satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, but the misfire caused the Falcon-9-Rocket to disintegrate.
- NASA and the FAA work closely in the space industry, and any mishap with a private space company like SpaceX could have implications for the wider industry, as well as NASA's goals in space travel and telecommunication.
