The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated SpaceX to conduct a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the failed test flight of the Starship booster on May 22. Additionally, it has put on hold any subsequent test launch plans until the investigation is concluded and its findings receive FAA approval. During the mishap, the Super Heavy booster suffered a critical engine malfunction post-stage separation while returning over the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the booster's erratic descent and a potential explosion upon impact. Luckily, no injuries to the public or damage to public property have been reported. Concurrently, the Starship spacecraft, too, had to abandon its test objective of sustained orbital combustion owing to an engine failure. Initially, SpaceX had aimed for a mid-June public debut, but this incident has significantly diminished the prospects of another launch prior to the listing. The FAA will supervise the SpaceX-led investigation and will green-light the final investigation report along with the corrective actions taken. It's worth noting that this flight represented the inaugural test of SpaceX's upgraded Super Heavy rocket system, which boasts numerous enhancements in the third iteration of the Starship, including the integration of brand-new third-generation Raptor engines designed to bolster overall reliability.
