FAA grounds future Starbase launches pending SpaceX investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration has halted future Starship launches until SpaceX completes an investigation into a problem that occurred during the company’s most recent test flight from Starbase.

The FAA announced Tuesday that it determined SpaceX’s May 22 Starship Flight 12 mission resulted in a mishap involving the Super Heavy booster, the massive rocket that lifts Starship off the launch pad.

No injuries or damage to public property were reported.

The issue did not occur during liftoff.

Instead, the booster experienced a problem after it separated from Starship and began flying back toward the Gulf of Mexico.

The FAA has not publicly disclosed what specifically caused the failure.

What the agency has made clear is that Starship cannot fly again until the investigation is completed and regulators determine the issue does not pose a risk to public safety.

What happened?

Starship launches in two pieces.

The Super Heavy booster provides the power needed to leave the ground. Once the vehicle reaches a certain altitude, the booster separates and returns toward Earth while the Starship spacecraft continues its mission.

According to the FAA, the problem occurred during the booster’s return flight after that separation took place.

The agency activated a Debris Response Area and later determined debris fell within the designated hazard zone.

The event caused temporary disruptions to air traffic. The FAA said six departing flights were delayed and five aircraft were placed into holding patterns. No flights were diverted.

What happens next?

The FAA is requiring SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation under federal oversight.

SpaceX will lead the investigation, but the FAA said it will participate throughout the process and must approve the company’s final report and any corrective actions.

According to the agency, the purpose of the investigation is to determine what happened, identify the root cause and establish steps to prevent similar failures in future flights.

“A return to flight of the Starship-Super Heavy vehicle is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety,” the FAA said.

The decision effectively pauses future Starship launches from Starbase until the investigation is completed and regulators approve a return to flight.

Starship is the largest rocket system ever built and is central to SpaceX’s plans for future satellite deployments, lunar missions and eventual human missions to Mars.