SpaceX Falcon 9 Cleared for Hera Mission Launch by FAA
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given SpaceX the green light to resume launches with its Falcon 9 rocket. This decision allows SpaceX to proceed with the scheduled launch of the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft from Florida on Monday.
FAA Grants Approval for Falcon 9 Launch
The FAA stated on Sunday that the Falcon 9 is “authorized to return to flight” specifically for the Hera mission. The launch is planned for 10:52 a.m. ET (1452 GMT) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The approval follows a recent review by the FAA, which focused on ensuring public safety during Falcon 9’s operations. The agency noted that it had assessed the absence of a second-stage reentry for this mission. This condition addresses the main risk that caused the grounding of Falcon 9 after the Crew-9 mission incident.
Background: Crew-9 Mishap Investigation
The FAA grounded Falcon 9 on 30 September following a malfunction during a NASA astronaut mission. The second stage of the rocket did not perform as expected, falling into the Pacific Ocean outside the designated safety zone. This event marked the third time in three months that a Falcon 9 launch vehicle was grounded for investigation.
SpaceX was instructed to determine the cause of the malfunction before receiving clearance to launch again. The FAA’s decision to permit the Hera mission signals that the issue has been adequately addressed for this specific launch.
Hera Mission to Study Asteroid Deflection
The Hera spacecraft, part of the European Space Agency’s planetary defence programme, will study the impact of NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) on the asteroid Dimorphos. In 2022, DART successfully altered the motion of Dimorphos, demonstrating the feasibility of redirecting an asteroid.
Hera will provide crucial data to enhance our understanding of how asteroid deflection works. This information will help shape future missions aimed at preventing potential asteroid collisions with Earth.
Recent Disputes and Fines Involving the FAA
In addition to the Crew-9 incident, SpaceX has faced scrutiny from the FAA over its safety practices. On 17 September, the FAA proposed a $633,000 fine for two 2023 Falcon 9 launches that allegedly violated agency regulations.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker commented on the need for SpaceX to operate at the highest safety standards. SpaceX, however, defended its safety record, asserting that it is the “safest, most reliable launch provider in the world.”
Tensions escalated further when Musk publicly criticised the FAA’s proposed fine and called for Whitaker’s resignation. Despite the disagreements, the company paid a $175,000 fine in February 2023 for a separate safety data submission issue related to an August 2022 Starlink satellite launch.
With the Hera mission, SpaceX aims to demonstrate its continued commitment to safety and reliability in space operations.
