The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the green light for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to resume flights following a thorough investigation into a recent mishap. The approval comes after SpaceX addressed the issues that led to the Falcon 9's malfunction on September 28, where the booster fell into the Pacific Ocean outside the designated safety zone.
Earlier, on September 30, the FAA had grounded the Falcon 9 for the third time in three months due to similar incidents during Starlink missions in July and August. After SpaceX implemented corrective actions, the FAA reviewed and accepted the findings, paving the way for the rocket's return to service.
On October 6, the FAA announced that the Falcon 9 would be cleared for an important mission the following day. SpaceX is set to launch the European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft from Florida, marking a significant step forward for both organizations.
In related news, Reuters reported that the FAA might soon approve a license for SpaceX's Starship 5, potentially as early as this month. Starship 5 will be the fifth test flight of SpaceX's ambitious Starship rocket, a fully reusable system designed to transport crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. SpaceX has indicated that the fifth flight test could launch as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval.
These developments highlight SpaceX's resilience and commitment to advancing space technology, while the FAA's timely approvals ensure that missions proceed safely and effectively.
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FAA approves SpaceX Falcon 9 return to flight after mishap probe
cgtn.com