FAA Closes SpaceX Starship Mishap Investigation
FAA Closes SpaceX Starship Mishap Investigation
Lots of corrective actions to complete, but it’s a step.
Hopefully they have been working with SpaceX along the way and didn't just drop a new 60 item check list in them.
Many or all of them are things they’d do anyway (work on leaks that lead to fires) and/or are already visibly being worked on (the launch pad bidet). Formalizing the list so each thing can be checked off is part of the process to get the launch license back.
From the notice:
Friday, September 8, 2023
The FAA has closed the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap investigation. The final report cites multiple root causes of the April 20, 2023, mishap and 63 corrective actions SpaceX must take to prevent mishap reoccurrence. Corrective actions include redesigns of vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires, redesign of the launch pad to increase its robustness, incorporation of additional reviews in the design process, additional analysis and testing of safety critical systems and components including the Autonomous Flight Safety System, and the application of additional change control practices.
The closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica. SpaceX must implement all corrective actions that impact public safety and apply for and receive a license modification from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental and other applicable regulatory requirements prior to the next Starship launch.
So what does this mean for the timeline of the next launch?
Well yeah, isn't SpaceX already implementing a lot of the corrections already? It seems some improvements like the (super-duper/rebuildable within 28.4 days) launch pad, are already done. The probably noticed the rock tornado too, that's why they get 400000 elonbucks a year and all the rip its they can drink.
From: https://www.faa.gov/space/compliance_enforcement_mishap
When does the vehicle-type involved in the mishap return to flight? A return to flight operations of the vehicle type involved in the mishap is ultimately based on public safety. The operator plays a significant role in the process to return to operations and is responsible for submitting a final mishap investigation report to the FAA for review and approval that details needed corrective actions. All required corrective actions must be implemented prior to the next flight unless otherwise approved. Based on the nature of the corrective actions, the operator may be required to submit either a license modification request or a new license application. These actions may occur concurrently. In summary, the FAA will not allow a return to flight operations until it determines that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety or any other aspect of the operator’s license. This is standard practice for all mishap investigations.
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