The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets pending an investigation into the cause of a first-stage booster crash on Wednesday. 

The booster, which was on its 23rd mission, was carrying a batch of Starlink internet satellites when it tipped over after landing on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. 

This incident marks the end of a streak of 267 successful booster recoveries, dating back to February 2021. While the first stage failed to land successfully, the Falcon 9's second stage did manage to deploy 21 Starlink satellites into their planned orbit.

SpaceX is currently assessing the booster's flight data to determine what went wrong during the landing.

If you want to view the launch, click on the video link below. Action starts at 1 minute 07 seconds.

- SpaceX - Launches

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FAA Investigation
Despite the crash, SpaceX proceeded with the first of two planned back-to-back launches of Starlink satellites, one from Florida and the other from California. 

However, shortly after the Florida Starlinks were deployed, the company decided to delay the California launch. This decision was made to give engineers additional time to review telemetry and video footage for any signs of trouble that could impact future launches.

The FAA has mandated an investigation into the landing failure, effectively grounding all Falcon 9 rockets, including the booster planned for the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission.

 "A return to flight of the Falcon 9 booster rocket is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the anomaly does not affect public safety," the FAA announced.

The agency added that SpaceX might need to modify its license, incorporating any necessary corrective actions, and meet all other licensing requirements before resuming flights.

Polaris Dawn Delayed Launch
SpaceX had already delayed the planned Wednesday launch of the Polaris Dawn mission due to poor weather conditions.

Late Tuesday, SpaceX announced the delay on social media, stating, "Due to unfavorable weather forecasted in Dragon's splashdown areas off the coast of Florida, we are now standing down from tonight and tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch opportunities of Polaris Dawn."

The Polaris is a commercial flight that will feature the first non-government spacewalk.

The launch is now on indefinite hold pending the FAA's investigation into the landing mishap.

First-Stage Booster in Flames
The first-stage booster landing seemed normal until the final moments. As the booster neared the deck of the drone ship, more flames than usual were visible around its base. Upon touchdown, one of the landing legs collapsed, causing the booster to tip over the side of the landing barge and into the Atlantic Ocean, shrouded in fire and smoke. "After a successful ascent, Falcon 9's first-stage booster tipped over following touchdown on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship," SpaceX reported on social media.

This was the 23rd and final mission for the first stage B1062, setting a new reuse record. SpaceX had been attempting to certify its Falcon 9 first-stage booster s for up to 40 flights each, but this incident highlights the challenges that come with reusability.