posted 07-12-2024 01:50 AM               

July 11, 2024 Starlink Mission

During tonight's [July 11] Falcon 9 launch of Starlink from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the second stage engine did not complete its second burn. As a result, the Starlink satellites were deployed into a lower than intended orbit.

SpaceX has made contact with five of the satellites so far and is attempting to have them raise orbit using their ion thrusters.

Upper stage restart to raise perigee resulted in an engine RUD for reasons currently unknown. Team is reviewing data tonight to understand root cause.

The engine failure occurred after SpaceX ended its webcast of the launch. For Starlink launches, the company routinely ends coverage after the Falcon 9's first stage is recovered and reports the result of the second stage on social media.

Footage of the second stage during its first burn showed an unusual build up of ice but whether that was related to the problem that later resulted in the loss of the engine is unknown.

posted 07-12-2024 10:19 AM               

The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 mission that launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 11. The incident involved the failure of the upper stage rocket while it was in space. No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation.

Background

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

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

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. In addition, SpaceX may need to request and receive approval from the FAA to modify its license that incorporates any corrective actions and meet all other licensing requirements.

posted 07-12-2024 05:39 PM               

Although the SpaceX Starlink launch was a fully commercial mission, NASA receives insight from SpaceX on all items of interest about the Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the agency's standard fleet following activities. Crew safety and mission assurance are top priorities for NASA.

SpaceX has been forthcoming with information and is including NASA in the company's ongoing anomaly investigation to understand the issue and path forward. NASA will provide updates on agency missions including potential schedule impacts, if any, as more information becomes available.