SpaceX and Blue Origin both face FAA mishap probes
- Reference: 1737387911
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2025/01/20/spacex_blue_origin_faa/
- Source link:
Blue Origin is leading the investigation, with the involvement of the FAA, which must also approve the final report, including any corrective actions.
SpaceX resets 'Days Since Starship Exploded' counter to zero [1]READ MORE
[2]According to the agency: "A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety."
Blue Origin's New Glenn [3]launched for the first time on January 16. The mission's objective was to reach orbit, which the company managed. Recovering the booster by landing it on a sea-based platform was a secondary goal and the company did not achieve this.
[4]According to Blue Origin boss Dave Limp, the Blue Ring pathfinder spacecraft carried by New Glenn hit its main targets and was inserted into the desired orbit with a 19,300 km apogee and a 2,400 km perigee. Limp said there was "a less than 1 percent deviation from our exact orbital injection target."
[5]
[6]Apart from stating : "We lost the booster during descent," Blue Origin has said little about the fate of the first stage, noting only that landing on the first try was ambitious. Telemetry from the first stage during the [7]launch webcast froze at the t+00:07:55 mark, showing the booster at an altitude of 84,226 feet and traveling at 4,285 miles per hour.
[8]Blue Origin reaches orbit with New Glenn, fumbles first-stage recovery
[9]Blue Origin gives up on New Glenn lift-off, 2 hours into launch window
[10]Blue Origin postpones New Glenn's maiden flight to January 12
[11]First launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket slated for January 10
The commentator confirmed that three of the first stage's BE-4 engines had ignited as planned. However, the data froze before the next landing phase could be announced, during which two of the engines would shut down, leaving a single engine running as the booster descended.
Although booster recovery was not a primary goal, the FAA seeks more information from Blue Origin about the incident.
Two launches, two mishap investigations
The FAA has also kicked off a mishap investigation into the explosion of SpaceX's Starship during the monster rocket's [12]seventh test flight . While SpaceX boss Elon Musk [13]called the incident "entertainment," the FAA had to activate a "Debris Response Area" and briefly slow aircraft outside the area where debris was falling or halt aircraft at their departure location.
The agency said: "Several aircraft requested to divert due to low fuel levels while holding outside impacted areas."
[14]
Blue Origin's primary goal was reaching orbit, which it achieved. SpaceX's aim was almost certainly not showering the Caribbean with pieces of Starship. ®
Get our [15]Tech Resources
[1] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/17/spacex_starship_explosion_booster_catch/
[2] https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/statements/general-statements
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/16/new_glenn_reaches_orbit/
[4] https://x.com/davill/status/1880386974139531314
[5] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_offbeat/science&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2Z46BOQrroCZoV3csRxeU6wAAAIA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[6] https://x.com/blueorigin/status/1879814598032822592
[7] https://www.youtube.com/live/KXysNxbGdCg
[8] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/16/new_glenn_reaches_orbit/
[9] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/13/blue_origin_gives_up_on/
[10] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/10/blue_origin_new_glenn/
[11] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/07/new_glenn_launch_date/
[12] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/17/spacex_starship_explosion_booster_catch/
[13] https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1880040599761596689
[14] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_offbeat/science&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Z46BOQrroCZoV3csRxeU6wAAAIA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[15] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
It appears that one of the three main engines on the upper stage failed leading to the rocket going off course and tumbling around so initiating the Autonomous Flight Termination System. In any event, I wish both Blue Origin and SpaceX well with their future rocket launches.
While I remember, the Times has reported that SaxaVord SpacePort's first UK launch will take place later on this year on the Shetland island of Unst.
I can understand if they had to use the FTS then FAA will want to investigate.
To be fair they grounded F9 several times last year including when booster caught fire after landing and another when second stage deorbit burn was 1/2 sec too long and stage landed outside intended area. They weren't long hold ups but I suspect that was mainly due to the crazy successful cadence rate that F9 had.
Watch Ellie in Space, interview with a real pilot indicating why there shouldn't have have been that much disruption. Appears to be an over reaction but of course safety first. I can't see FAA being the cause of delay for the next launch. Even though next ship is ready, SpaceX have some rework to do which I suspect will be longer than getting FAA approval.
As for BO, likewise, more work left on next vehicle then FAA delay. Just wish BO would be a bit more transparent, I guess we are spoiled by SpaceX and even ULA with their updates. Don't know how far off target it was or even if it made it back down in one piece. I'm sure there is footage, even if its not from BO, NASA had one of their planes observing the landing area with IR camera.
Disaster Area
Representatives of SpaceX met with the FAA and had them all shot.
"SpaceX boss Elon Musk called the incident "entertainment,""
Unfortunately, he's right - I was certainly entertained. Of course, that's little consolation for the folks whose trip was disarranged, but it was still entertaining for the rest of us. Bad news always sells, that's human nature