The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the green light for SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket to resume flights after a temporary grounding due to a failed landing. This decision comes after the company successfully launched two missions, putting 42 more Starlink satellites into orbit.
Despite an ongoing investigation into the failed landing incident, the FAA has allowed SpaceX to continue flights as long as all other license requirements are met. The agency has stated that the investigation remains open, but flights can proceed in the meantime.
SpaceX has a busy schedule ahead, with plans to launch Polaris Dawn, a private mission featuring billionaire Jared Isaacman and three others on a journey through the Van Allen radiation belts to perform the first private astronaut spacewalk. Additionally, the company is set to send two astronauts to the International Space Station on NASA’s Crew-9 mission, with a target launch date of September 24th.
Changes in NASA’s Crew-9 Mission
NASA recently made changes to its Crew-9 mission, bumping two astronauts to make room for astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore. The decision was made after their Boeing spacecraft was deemed unsuitable for a crewed return flight, prompting the need for alternative crew members.
While the temporary grounding of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket may have caused a brief pause in operations, the recent clearance by the FAA signals a return to business as usual for the space company. With exciting missions on the horizon, including private astronaut spacewalks and trips to the International Space Station, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.
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