Regulators Clear the Way for SpaceX’s Return to Launch
With a swift turnaround, SpaceX has been given the green light by regulators to return to launch operations using the Falcon 9 rocket, just two weeks after experiencing an anomaly on orbit. The space company had to conduct an in-depth investigation overseen by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), identify the probable cause of the issue, and implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This rapid response is standard procedure following a rocket launch incident. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 experienced a rare problem on orbit during a routine launch of a batch of Starlink satellites on July 11. While the initial stages of the launch proceeded as planned, the second stage encountered a catastrophic issue. Twenty satellites were successfully deployed, but they ended up in an orbit that was too low to survive for long. The satellites have since reentered the atmosphere and burned up.
Investigation Uncovers Root Cause
In an update posted on its website, SpaceX confirmed that the problem was due to a liquid oxygen leak in the insulation surrounding the second stage’s single Merlin engine. This leak was caused by a crack in a sensing line connected to the pressure sensor, which developed as a result of a loose clamp in the line and the strain from engine vibration.
Despite the leak occurring during the first firing of the second stage engine on orbit, the mission continued as planned. However, the liquid oxygen made the engine components extremely cold, leading to an uncontrolled burn during the second attempted firing. The engine ‘experienced a hard start,’ which damaged it and caused the upper stage to lose its orientation in space.
Corrective Actions Taken
SpaceX has taken steps to address the issue by removing the failed sensing line and sensor on the second stage engine for near-term Falcon 9 launches, which are not used in the flight safety system. The company has also tested the design change at its rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. Additionally, SpaceX conducted additional inspections of all sense lines on its active second stage fleet, leading to ‘proactive replacement’ in some instances.
Investigation Ongoing
While the FAA stated that the overall investigation is still open, SpaceX submitted its mishap report to the regulator. The FAA determined that no public safety issues were involved in the anomaly that occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 launch on July 11. This public safety determination allows the Falcon 9 vehicle to return to flight operations while the investigation remains ongoing, provided all other license requirements are met.
Next Launch Scheduled
SpaceX is aiming to conduct its next Falcon 9 launch on July 27, which will carry another batch of Starlink satellites to orbit.
Related Topics
- Falcon 9: SpaceX’s reusable rocket, used for various missions including satellite launches and cargo transport to the International Space Station.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, spaceflight, and other transportation-related activities.
- SpaceX: A private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
About the Author
Aria Alamalhodaei is a reporter covering the space and defense industries at TechCrunch. She has previously covered public utilities and the power grid for California Energy Markets, and her work can also be found at MIT’s Undark Magazine, The Verge, and Discover Magazine.
