After a brief hiatus, SpaceX's reliable Falcon 9 rocket is ready to take flight again. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the green light for the upcoming launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Hera spacecraft from Florida's Cape Canaveral on Monday at 10:52 a.m. ET (1452 GMT).
This mission marks a significant milestone as it represents Falcon 9's return to action following a recent period of grounding. The rocket was previously sidelined due to a second-stage malfunction during the Crew-9 mission, which resulted in the stage falling into the Pacific Ocean outside of approved safety zones. This incident prompted the FAA to demand a thorough investigation, leading to the temporary halt of Falcon 9 launches.
The FAA's authorization for the Hera mission comes with assurances that potential public safety risks have been mitigated. Notably, the Hera launch does not involve a second-stage reentry, addressing one of the concerns from the earlier malfunction.
The Hera spacecraft plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of planetary defense. It is designed to study the aftermath of NASA's 2022 DART mission, which successfully altered the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos. By analyzing the data collected, Hera aims to refine future strategies for redirecting asteroids that may pose a threat to Earth.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 has been a workhorse for numerous missions since its introduction. Its return to service with the Hera mission not only underscores the resilience and reliability of SpaceX's technology but also supports international efforts in safeguarding our planet from potential asteroid impacts.
Reference(s):
SpaceX's Falcon 9 cleared for Hera mission launch after FAA review
cgtn.com
