FAA to oversee Starship mishap investigation following third launch

BOCA CHICA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Federal Aviation Administration will oversee a mishap investigation involving SpaceX's third test flight of Starship.

The mishap involved both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship vehicle, according to the FAA.

No public injuries or public property damage have been reported.

The FAA is overseeing the SpaceX-led mishap investigation to ensure the company complies with its FAA-approved mishap investigation plan and other regulatory requirements.

A mishap investigation is designed to further enhance public, safety, determine the root cause of the event and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening.

"A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety," according to a statement from the FAA. "In addition, SpaceX may need to modify its license to incorporate any corrective actions and meet all other licensing requirements."

The FAA will be highly involved in every step in the investigation of the mishap and must approve SpaceX's final report, including any corrective actions.