FAA Orders Investigation Into SpaceX Starship Booster Mishap
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered SpaceX to investigate why its Starship booster crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a recent test flight.
The FAA said the May 22 launch of Starship Flight 12 resulted in a mishap involving the Super Heavy booster after stage separation. The booster failed while returning to the Gulf of Mexico, prompting the agency to begin oversight of a formal investigation.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
FAA To Oversee Investigation
The FAA confirmed there were no reports of injuries or damage to public property linked to the booster incident. However, the agency said it will supervise the SpaceX-led investigation and review all corrective measures before approving the company’s final report.
In addition, the FAA stated it will remain involved throughout every stage of the process. The temporary grounding now places attention on the reliability of the Super Heavy booster system as SpaceX prepares for future flights.
Experts Downplay Long-Term Impact
Don Platt, director of the Spaceport Education Center at Florida Institute of Technology, said he does not expect the investigation to cause a major delay to the Starship programme.
According to Platt, the Super Heavy booster has already demonstrated strong performance in earlier missions. He noted that while Flight 12 used the Version 3 Starship configuration, the overall system had flown in a similar form before.
Platt said the issue would likely prove relatively minor and could be resolved quickly by SpaceX engineers. He added that the company may be ready to fly again during the summer, potentially as early as July.
Starship Flight Achieved Several Goals
Despite the booster failure, SpaceX’s 12th Starship test flight since 2023 achieved several key objectives.
The mission successfully deployed mock satellites and completed a controlled splashdown of the Starship spacecraft in the Indian Ocean. However, the Super Heavy booster failed to complete a controlled landing and instead tumbled into the Gulf of Mexico.
The flight also marked the first launch of SpaceX’s Version 3 Starship system, which forms a major part of the company’s long-term strategy for reusable space transportation.
Starship Remains Central To SpaceX Plans
Starship plays a critical role in SpaceX’s efforts to reduce launch costs and expand its Starlink satellite business, which remains a major source of company revenue.
In addition, the rocket system supports future ambitions that include orbital AI data-centre satellites, space-based computing and human missions to the moon and Mars.
The investigation comes as SpaceX prepares for a potential record IPO in the coming weeks. However, Platt said the latest booster mishap is unlikely to significantly affect investor expectations surrounding the company.
With inputs from Reuters