By Joey Roulette
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered SpaceX to investigate the malfunction of the second stage of its Falcon 9 rocket after a recent NASA astronaut mission. This marks the third grounding of the rocket in three months, raising concerns for investors and space enthusiasts alike.
Following the successful launch of two astronauts to the International Space Station, the Falcon 9's booster failed to re-light its engine for the routine "deorbit burn," causing it to land outside the designated safety zone in the Pacific Ocean. SpaceX has stated that they will resume launching once the root cause of the malfunction is understood.
This incident comes after two previous groundings due to mission failures in July and August, highlighting the challenges faced by SpaceX in maintaining its launch schedule. The company's reliance on the Falcon 9 rocket for accessing space makes these setbacks particularly concerning for investors.
Despite these challenges, SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious launch schedule, launching an average of two to three rockets a week. The grounding of the Falcon 9 does not directly impact the testing of Starship, SpaceX's next-generation rocket system.
Investors should closely monitor SpaceX's investigation into the Falcon 9 malfunction and the FAA's response, as these developments could have significant implications for the company's future launch schedule and regulatory challenges.
Overall, the recent grounding of the Falcon 9 rocket highlights the complexities and risks involved in the space industry, and serves as a reminder for investors to stay informed and vigilant in monitoring their investments in this rapidly evolving sector.
