SpaceX experienced a rare setback on Thursday during the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a batch of Starlink satellites.
The company planned to deploy 20 satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. However, a few hours post-launch, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reported that the rocket encountered a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” (RUD) while in orbit.
In a statement shared on social media, SpaceX revealed that the rocket’s second stage did not complete its second burn, resulting in the Starlink satellites being released into a lower-than-planned orbit. The company mentioned it has successfully established contact with five satellites and is working to elevate them into their intended orbits.
Musk remarked, “We’re updating satellite software to run the ion thrusters at their equivalent of warp 9. Unlike a Star Trek episode, this will probably not work, but it’s worth a shot.”
Such incidents are uncommon for the Falcon 9, which saw nearly 100 launches last year. The rocket’s last failure was in 2016, when one exploded on the launchpad during fueling ahead of an engine test. Prior to this latest mission, SpaceX had launched 6,720 Starlinks over 180 Falcon 9 flights, according to astrophysicist and space statistician Jonathan McDowell.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in a statement to NASA Space Flight on Friday, acknowledged the incident but confirmed no injuries or public property damage were reported. The agency is mandating an investigation into the event.
This incident coincides with the FAA’s preparations to hold public meetings on SpaceX’s proposal to increase the number of Starship and Super Heavy booster launches from Texas. The company aims to launch and land Starship and the booster up to 25 times annually. Currently, it is permitted five Starship launches and 10 landings per year, along with 10 Super Heavy booster landings at its Boca Chica, Texas facility.
The FAA will conduct four public meetings next month, including one virtual session, to gather public feedback on the environmental impact of the proposed launches. The meetings will also review SpaceX’s plans for upgrading its megarocket.