In a rare setback for SpaceX, the return stage of a Falcon 9 rocket encountered trouble during its landing for the first time in three years. Despite a flawless launch and successful satellite deployment, the mission ended in disappointment when the rocket’s landing gear malfunctioned, causing the stage to overturn as it touched down on its unmanned ocean platform.

Image source: SpaceX

The Falcon 9 rocket, which had previously completed 23 successful landings, was tasked with delivering Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral at 03:38 local time. The upper stage did its job perfectly, but the return stage, identified by its tail number B1062, faced an unexpected issue. Instead of a smooth landing, the rocket continued to burn upon touchdown, either due to an engine malfunction or a fire outbreak.

In response to this anomaly, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily suspended all Falcon 9 launches. The FAA stated that such measures are standard protocol following flight irregularities and emphasized that the safety of public and property was not compromised. The agency has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and is requiring SpaceX to address any issues before resuming flights.

The halt in launches comes at a crucial time for SpaceX, impacting the Polaris Dawn mission. This historic Crew Dragon flight, which aims to orbit Earth’s poles without visiting the ISS, had already faced delays and was set to launch on August 30. The suspension of Falcon 9 launches could further disrupt this landmark mission.

The FAA’s decision underscores the challenges of spaceflight and the importance of rigorous safety protocols, even for a company with SpaceX’s track record of success.

Source: Newsatlas

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *