The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation into the previous explosion and grounded the rocket pending further review. On Friday, the FAA granted clearance for Starship to return to flight, though the investigation remains open.
SpaceX’s internal review concluded that a propellant leak in the section of Starship known as the “attic” likely caused sustained fires. The company stated that these fires led to the controlled shutdown of all but one of Starship’s engines. The vehicle ultimately broke apart three minutes after SpaceX lost communication.
Planned Test Objectives
To address the issues from the previous flight, SpaceX implemented several hardware and operational changes to Starship’s upper stage. However, the company has not disclosed specific details about these upgrades.
For the eighth test flight, SpaceX aims to deploy four mock Starlink satellites, marking the first time Starship would deliver a payload.
Additionally, the company plans to test the return of the massive Super Heavy booster by “catching” it with giant mechanical arms on the launch tower. SpaceX successfully performed this maneuver in January, considering that flight a partial success.
