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.
