SpaceX Requests FAA to Resume Falcon 9 Launches Amid Ongoing Investigation

SpaceX has petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to permit the resumption of its Falcon 9 rocket flights, despite an ongoing investigation into a recent mission anomaly. The request comes just days after a malfunction during a Starlink mission led to the grounding of the reusable launch vehicles.

On Thursday, a Starlink mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California experienced a significant anomaly. SpaceX’s Falcon 9’s second stage developed a liquid oxygen leak, causing the upper stage to malfunction and deploy its 20-satellite payload into an orbit too low for the Starlink units. The incident caused the Starlink satellites to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and subsequently incinerate. The malfunction triggered a comprehensive safety investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requiring the temporary grounding of the Falcon 9.

As SpaceX’s aggressive 2024 launch schedule falls further behind, SpaceX has formally requested that the FAA allow the continuation of uncrewed commercial Falcon 9 flights prior to the FAA completing their investigation. The company argues that the anomaly experienced Thursday does not pose a threat to public safety. According to SpaceX, the issue was identified as a liquid oxygen leak that led to a buildup of ice on the upper stage, as observed during the launch. SpaceX has accrued a solid track record with the Falcon 9 booster, having experienced only a small handful of problems in over 350 flights.

“Lots and lots of ice was flaking away and flying off into space indicating a leak somewhere,” said CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood, who commented on the live feed of the launch.

In a statement, the FAA has confirmed that it is reviewing SpaceX’s request. “The FAA is reviewing the request and will be guided by data and safety at every step of the process,” the statement read.

SpaceX’s request, submitted on July 15, seeks a public safety determination from the FAA. If granted, this would allow SpaceX to proceed with Falcon 9 launches while the mishap investigation continues. The FAA has reiterated its commitment to public safety during commercial space transportation operations.

“The FAA is responsible for and committed to protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations….the FAA will review the request, and if in agreement, authorize a return to flight operations while the mishap investigation remains open and provided the operator meets all relevant licensing requirements“.

Federal Aviation Administration

According to the FAA’s website, the FAA has two pathways to authorize a return to flight operations after a mishap. A return to flight operations of the vehicle-type involved in the mishap is ultimately based on public safety. The FAA must determine that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety or any other aspect of the operator’s license. This determination can be made in one of two ways.

• FAA acceptance of final mishap investigation report: The operator-led mishap investigation final report must be completed, including the identification of any corrective actions. The FAA will review the report, and if accepted, the mishap investigation is closed. The corrective actions then must be implemented, and all relevant licensing requirements met before a return to flight operations. 
   
• FAA public safety determination: The operator may request the FAA make a public safety determination based on information that the mishap did not involve safety-critical systems or otherwise jeopardize public safety. The FAA will review the request, and if in agreement, authorize a return to flight operations while the mishap investigation remains open and provided the operator meets all relevant licensing requirements.

SpaceX’s current situation falls under the second option, with the company arguing that the malfunction does not compromise safety-critical systems. The FAA’s decision on this matter will be crucial for SpaceX’s immediate future operations.

SpaceX is conducting their own investigation, and has detailed its preliminary findings in a statement on its website. The company noted that the liquid oxygen leak prevented the Merlin vacuum engine on the upper stage from completing its second burn. Although the stage managed to deploy the satellites, it did not successfully circularize its orbit, leaving the satellites in a low perigee orbit of 135 km, significantly below the expected altitude.

“At this level of drag, our maximum available thrust is unlikely to be enough to successfully raise the satellites,” SpaceX explained. “As such, the satellites will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise. They do not pose a threat to other satellites in orbit or to public safety.”

If the FAA agrees with SpaceX’s assessment, the company could resume launching its Falcon 9 rockets. SpaceX has tentative plans for upcoming missions, including Starlink 10-4 and Starlink 10-9, from its Florida launchpads. These plans, however, hinge on the FAA’s approval.

In the wake of the anomaly, NASA has also weighed in on the situation. The space agency, which collaborates closely with SpaceX on various missions, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency.

“Crew safety and mission assurance are top priorities for NASA. SpaceX has been forthcoming with information and is including NASA in the company’s ongoing anomaly investigation to understand the issue and path forward,” NASA stated on June 12. “NASA will provide updates on agency-related missions as necessary.”

As the investigation continues, the space community watches closely. SpaceX’s rapid advancement and ambitious schedule have always set it apart, but incidents like these underscore the inherent risks of spaceflight. The FAA’s forthcoming decision will not only impact SpaceX’s timeline but also influence broader industry standards for safety and operational resilience in the rapidly evolving domain of commercial space exploration.

While SpaceX remains optimistic about resuming launches, the final decision rests with the FAA.