SpaceX Cleared for Launch Again: FAA’s Swift Resolution

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially concluded its investigation into the anomaly with the Falcon 9 rocket that occurred earlier this year and has granted permission to resume its use. The investigation was prompted by the incident on February 2nd: after successfully deploying 25 Starlink satellites into orbit, the second stage engine failed to reignite for a controlled deorbit maneuver.

The investigation found that the ignition system of the second stage engine was at fault. Despite the absence of any injuries or property damage, launches were put on hold until a comprehensive set of measures was implemented to prevent similar failures. Now that SpaceX has resolved the issue, the regulator has given the green light for launches.

The next scheduled launch is set for February 11 from Cape Canaveral. As part of the 12th crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (Crew-12), the Dragon spacecraft will carry four members on board. The international crew includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency representative Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The crew is expected to spend around eight months aboard the station.