In a swift turnaround, SpaceX has received the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to resume flights of its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket.
This decision comes just days after a Falcon 9 first stage experienced a hard landing during a Starlink satellite launch.
The FAA’s approval allows SpaceX to continue launching missions with the Falcon 9 despite the ongoing investigation into the recent crash.
While the exact cause of the landing failure remains under scrutiny, the agency determined that the rocket could safely return to flight, provided all other requirements are met.
The incident occurred Wednesday during the launch of Starlink Group 8-6. The Falcon 9 successfully delivered its payload into orbit but encountered difficulties while landing on a SpaceX droneship. Flames erupted from the booster’s base, leading to a topple and the rocket’s destruction.
The incident marks the second time in recent weeks that the FAA has grounded the Falcon 9.
In July, the rocket was temporarily halted due to an upper-stage failure that resulted in the loss of 23 Starlink satellites. However, after a thorough investigation, it was quickly cleared for flight.
The FAA’s decision to allow the Falcon 9 to fly again is a relief for SpaceX, particularly as the company prepares for the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission.
This ambitious mission, which will feature the first-ever private spacewalk, had been scheduled to launch earlier this week but was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.