FAA closes second Starship mishap investigation as third test flight nears

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The FAA announced Monday it has closed an investigation into the second test flight of Starship.

SpaceX launched its second test flight of Starship on Nov. 18, 2023, which successfully lifted off and made it through stage separation.

Following separation, the booster suffered a mishap resulting in a mid-air explosion. Communication was later lost with the Starship, resulting in a commanded shutdown of all six engines and a triggering of the automated flight termination system.

"SpaceX identified, and the FAA accepts, the root causes and 17 corrective actions documented in SpaceX’s mishap report," the FAA said in a statement sent to ValleyCentral on Monday.

The FAA adds that seven corrective actions were identified for the Super Heavy Booster, including redesigns, updated control system modelling and other changes. Another 10 corrective actions were identified for the Starship vehicle itself, including hardware redesigns, flammability analysis updates and installation of more fire protection.

Before its third launch, SpaceX must implement all of the corrective actions, as well as receive a license modification from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.

"The closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate authorization of the next Starship launch," the FAA statement reads.

Last week, Elon Musk said on X that SpaceX is aiming to launch its third Starship in the second week of March. According to Musk, the probability of the rocket reaching orbit is almost 80%.

Additionally, Musk said that a fourth test flight will be ready shortly afterwards.

The Starship and Super Heavy booster were moved to the launch pad at Starbase earlier this month.