FAA orders SpaceX to investigate Starship V3 booster failure

Source: TechCrunch

FAA Order to Investigate Starship V3 Booster Failure

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX to investigate why its Starship booster failed during the May 22 test flight. SpaceX must pause any further Starship test launches until the investigation is completed and the results are submitted to the FAA for approval.

“After a thorough assessment of the operation, the FAA has determined the May 22 SpaceX Starship Flight 12 launch resulted in a mishap. The mishap involved the Super Heavy booster as it flew back to the Gulf of America after stage separation. There are no reports of public injury or damage to public property,” the FAA wrote.
“The FAA will oversee the SpaceX‑led investigation, be involved in every step of the process, and approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions.”

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Details of the May 22 Test Flight

The flight was the first launch of SpaceX’s upgraded “V3” version of its Super Heavy rocket system. The booster reached the point of maximum dynamic pressure and entered space, where it was supposed to separate from the Starship vehicle and return to the Gulf for a simulated water landing.

• The booster separated but experienced an apparent engine failure (or a series of failures) during the sustained burn intended to bring it back toward the launch site in South Texas.
• The failure caused the booster to tumble and likely explode on impact with the Gulf.

After separation, the Starship vehicle lost one of its six Raptor engines, preventing the planned sustained orbital burn.

Implications for SpaceX and Upcoming IPO

SpaceX expects failures during development, but the goal is to achieve a Falcon 9‑level of reliability and reusability. Reusable rockets are crucial to lowering the costs associated with sending heavy payloads to space (TechCrunch article).

As detailed in its IPO filing, SpaceX’s growth—particularly its Starlink service, the company’s primary revenue source—relies heavily on Starship becoming reliable and reusable (IPO filing source).

FAA Actions Toward Other Heavy‑Lift Programs

The FAA has also ordered Blue Origin, SpaceX’s rival, to conduct mishap investigations for its New Glenn heavy‑lift rocket. The agency recently cleared New Glenn for another flight, with a fourth launch attempt expected in the coming month.