SpaceX grounded after rocket catches fire on landing

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets to be grounded and an investigation ordered following a pre-dawn crash off the coast of Florida. No injuries or public damage have been reported.

It’s too early to know how the move will affect SpaceX’s upcoming crew flights, including a private flight and one for NASA. A billionaire’s charter flight was delayed just hours earlier because of bad weather forecasts.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink internet satellites launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA, on August 28. Photo: SpaceX

The Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Station and delivered all 21 Starlink internet satellites into orbit. But the first stage rocket burst into flames after landing on a launch pad at sea. This was the 23rd launch of this particular rocket, but also the first such accident in many years.

The FAA said SpaceX must provide its findings on the accident and take corrective action before the company can resume Falcon 9 launches. A launch from California with more Starlink satellites was canceled immediately after the accident.

SpaceX vice president Jon Edwards said the company was working “as soon as possible” to find out what happened.

"Losing a rocket booster is always sad. Each one has its own history and character. Luckily, this doesn't happen often," Edwards posted on X.

In addition to the private spaceflight waiting to take off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX is expected to launch a pair of NASA astronauts into space late next month.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/spacex-bi-dinh-chi-do-ten-lua-boc-chay-khi-ha-canh-post309797.html