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FAA decision paves the way for SpaceX to return to launch status tomorrow with a scheduled attempt to deploy the Starlink Group 10-9 satellites. The launch is slated to take place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch window opens at 12:21 AM. The Falcon 9 rocket will follow a northeast trajectory. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy. Booster core B1069 will attempt its 17th launch and landing. The landing will take place on the barge ship “Just Read the Instructions.” 

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In a series of tweets reposted on X last night, the FAA has given SpaceX the green light to resume Falcon 9 launches after a thorough review of the recent anomaly that occurred during a mission on July 11, 2024. The incident involved a liquid oxygen leak in the rocket’s second stage. The second stage was safely shut down and all propellants vented. This standard procedure ensures the stage does not pose a risk of explosion or collision with other objects in space. Due to the low orbit of the satellites, they are expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere much sooner than planned. SpaceX stated that the satellites would burn up upon re-entry, posing no threat to other satellites or public safety. Despite the setback, the Falcon 9’s first stage performed flawlessly, landing on a drone ship as planned. 

SpaceX had promptly requested a public safety determination from the FAA to allow it to return to flight operations. The FAA’s review process, which focuses on safety-critical systems, the consequences of the anomaly, and the adequacy of existing flight safety analyses, concluded that there were no public safety issues associated with the mishap. As a result, SpaceX is now cleared to resume its launch schedule while the investigation continues. 

In last night’s tweet, SpaceX confirmed their readiness to return to launch operations, expressing confidence in their ability to maintain their high launch cadence. The company highlighted its robust satellite and rocket production capabilities, which have positioned it as the world’s most active launch services provider. 

The FAA’s decision comes just in time for several critical missions, including the privately funded Polaris Dawn mission and NASA’s Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). These missions are scheduled for the end of July and mid-August, respectively, and will undergo an additional level of scrutiny due to the involvement of human passengers. 

NASA Press Briefing on Starliner and Astronauts on ISS 

Happening yesterday at about noon, NASA held a press briefing to address the ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and the situation of two NASA astronauts currently on the ISS. The Starliner, which has faced multiple delays and technical challenges, has yet to complete a successful crewed mission. The delays have extended the stay of astronauts on the ISS beyond their planned mission duration. As of July 26, Suni and Butch have been aboard the ISS for 51 days.  

NASA officials emphasized that the safety of the astronauts remains their top priority. The agency is working closely with Boeing to resolve the technical issues with the Starliner. The specific problems involve both software and hardware anomalies that need to be rectified before the spacecraft can be deemed flight-worthy again. NASA is also exploring alternative options to ensure the safe return of the astronauts if the Starliner is not ready in time. 

In their statements, NASA officials assured that they are monitoring the health and safety of the astronauts aboard the ISS and providing all necessary resources to support them during this extended mission. The delay underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in human spaceflight, particularly with new spacecraft systems.