FAA investigates SpaceX Falcon 9 engine failure during Starlink launch

In a recent incident, a SpaceX rocket's upper stage engine failure resulted in 20 Starlink internet satellites being stranded in a low, non-survivable orbit. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating the mishap, which may lead to delays in upcoming piloted flights of Falcon 9 rockets. This failure could also impact NASA's plans for launching its next crew to the International Space Station. Despite the setback, SpaceX founder Elon Musk expressed confidence in the Falcon 9's reliability and transparency in addressing issues. The failure of the upper stage engine during the launch from California led to the satellites being left in an eccentric orbit with a very low perigee altitude. SpaceX is working to rectify the situation and raise the orbit of the affected satellites using ion thrusters. The incident may affect the scheduled commercial flight with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and three crewmates, which includes the first spacewalks by non-government astronauts. SpaceX's rapid launch schedule, with this being the 69th Falcon 9 flight of the year, may face interruptions due to the incident. The company had ambitious plans to conduct over 140 flights this year. The malfunction highlights the challenges and risks involved in space missions, with SpaceX aiming to identify and resolve issues to ensure the reliability of its launch vehicles. Further investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the engine failure and to secure a new launch license from the FAA. The incident underscores the complexities of space exploration and the need for stringent safety measures in place to protect public safety and ensure the successful deployment of payloads. SpaceX's commitment to transparency and problem-solving will be crucial in addressing the aftermath of the engine failure and restoring confidence in its launch operations. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments to assess the impact on future space missions and the company's overall launch schedule.