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.”
