SpaceX experienced a rare setback on Thursday during the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket intended to deploy a series of Starlink satellites.
The aerospace company aimed to launch 20 satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. However, a few hours post-launch, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reported that the rocket suffered a rapid unscheduled disassembly (RUD) while in orbit.
In a social media statement, SpaceX explained that the rocket’s second stage failed to complete its second burn, resulting in the Starlink satellites being placed in a lower-than-intended orbit. The company has successfully contacted five of the satellites and is working to elevate them into higher orbit.
Musk commented, “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.”
This incident is unusual for the Falcon 9, which saw nearly 100 launches last year. The rocket’s last failure occurred in 2016 when it exploded on the launchpad during fueling for an engine test. Prior to this latest launch, SpaceX had deployed 6,720 Starlinks via 180 Falcon 9 flights, according to astrophysicist and space statistician Jonathan McDowell.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged the incident on Friday in a statement to Nasa Space Flight. The FAA confirmed that no injuries or public property damage were reported and that an investigation into the incident is required.
This event coincides with the FAA’s preparation for public meetings concerning SpaceX’s proposal to increase the number of launches for its Starship and Super Heavy booster from Texas. SpaceX seeks to launch and land Starship and the booster up to 25 times annually, whereas current allowances are for five launches and ten landings of Starship and ten landings of the Super Heavy booster each year from its Boca Chica, Texas facility.
The FAA will hold four public meetings next month, including one virtual session, to gather public input on the environmental impact of these launches and discuss SpaceX’s plans to upgrade its megarocket.