SpaceX Falcon 9 suffers engine failure during Starlink mission; future launches on hold
For the first time since 2016, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket experienced a catastrophic failure after a liquid oxygen leak developed on the spacecraft’s second stage – an incident that will delay SpaceX launches until investigations into the mishap are completed.
The Falcon 9 launched Thursday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and was on a mission to deliver 20 Starlink satellites into orbit when the problem occurred.
“Upper stage restart to raise perigee resulted in an engine RUD [rapid unscheduled disassembly] for reasons currently unknown,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk posted on Twitter. “Team is reviewing data tonight to understand root cause.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement Friday that it will investigate the accident and SpaceX will need its approve before resuming rocket launches.
“A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety,” the agency said in a statement. “In addition, SpaceX may need to request and receive approval from the FAA to modify its license that incorporates any corrective actions and meet all other licensing requirements.”