SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket has been cleared for flight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a temporary grounding due to a failed landing earlier in the week. This decision comes after the company successfully completed two launches following the FAA’s approval, putting an additional 42 Starlink satellites into orbit.
While the investigation into the landing incident remains open, the FAA has allowed SpaceX to continue flights as long as all other license requirements are met. This decision comes after SpaceX requested a return to flight on the same day the rocket was initially grounded by the FAA.
In addition to regular Starlink flights, SpaceX is gearing up for the launch of Polaris Dawn, a private mission that will send billionaire Jared Isaacman and three others through the Van Allen radiation belts to perform the first private astronaut spacewalk. Furthermore, SpaceX is expected to send two astronauts to the International Space Station on NASA’s Crew-9 mission, with a tentative launch date of September 24th.
NASA recently made changes to its Crew-9 mission, bumping two astronauts in order to make room for astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore. This decision was made after NASA determined that the Boeing spacecraft previously intended for their return was unfit for a crewed flight back to Earth in February.
Overall, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket being cleared for flight by the FAA marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and commercial space travel. With upcoming missions on the horizon, including both private and government-funded ventures, SpaceX is poised to make further strides in the aerospace industry in the coming months.