SpaceX
Just 10 days ago, the Falcon 9 rocket suffered an unexpected malfunction, causing it to prematurely cease all operations and preventing the successful deployment of its payload of 20 Starlink satellites into their intended orbit. Because they were launched lower than expected, about 135 km above the Earth’s surface, and subject to atmospheric drag, these satellites ultimately re-entered the planet’s atmosphere and disintegrated?
Typically, following a launch failure, rockets are grounded for extended periods as experts thoroughly investigate the incident, analyzing available data and debris to pinpoint the cause, conduct tests, and implement corrective measures.
Despite earlier delays, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket just last week. The corporation plans to initiate its Starlink 10-4 mission by no earlier than 12:14 AM Eastern Time (04:14 UTC) on Wednesday.
A fast repair?
Despite investigating the issue, SpaceX refrained from attributing the cause of the anomaly, merely stating: “The Merlin Vacuum engine experienced an anomaly that prevented it from completing its second burn.”
The corporation has provided no additional information on the matter since that time. Despite initial concerns, the company’s engineers quickly pinpointed the cause of the failure, according to sources, and implemented an effortless solution.
SpaceX ensured a swift turnaround, resuming Falcon 9 launches just a week following the failure. Despite this constraint, the US Federal Aviation Administration typically initiates a thorough investigation following any aviation accident or incident.
In the midst of an ongoing investigation into an anomaly, SpaceX requested a renewal from the FAA to launch its Falcon 9 rocket every seven days, starting with a submission on July 15. “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is thoroughly examining the request while ensuring that security and relevant information inform its decision-making process at every stage.”
Crewed missions on deck
As of this moment, SpaceX stands poised for clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding its request to relaunch the Falcon 9 rocket within two weeks following the recent failure.
The corporation plans to rapidly deploy at least three consecutive Starlink missions, utilizing its two launch pads in Florida and one in California, to assess the efficacy of the repair strategy. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has consistently demonstrated exceptional reliability, boasting over 300 successful missions to date following its sole failure in September 2016 due to a pad accident. As the company prepares for its next two crewed missions, this impressive track record underscores the rocket’s capabilities and commitment to safety.
While there is still a possibility of some residual risk, the Polaris Daybreak mission, commanded by entrepreneur-turned-astronaut Jared Isaacman, might lift off as early as mid-August. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, as part of the Crew-9 mission for NASA, has the capacity to transport four astronauts safely and efficiently to the International Space Station.
In contrast to the other crewed missions, these two do not necessitate a second Merlin engine burn, a process where the failure was previously encountered during the Starlink mission.
