US Aviation Authority Grants SpaceX Launch Permit After Fire and Ban

Following a fire and launch ban, the FAA has granted SpaceX permission to operate the Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket successfully carried Starlink satellites into space, but one stage caught fire during landing.

Further launches were postponed for data review. The Falcon 9, with its reusable stages, has been a successful and cost-effective option for over a decade.

The ongoing investigation is examining the incident and issues with the second propulsion stage. The Polaris Dawn project, featuring a spacewalk, is also in the works.

The FAA had previously suspended all launches for two weeks due to a production defect. This development allows SpaceX to proceed with missions like Polaris Dawn and Starlink.

Despite the setback, the Falcon 9's ability to lower costs through reusable rocket stages remains significant. The incident involving the mangled Falcon 9 booster prompted an FAA investigation and affected upcoming launches.

Additionally, the uncrewed Boeing Starliner spacecraft named Calypso will return next week due to helium leaks and thruster issues, while the Crew-9 mission continues with SpaceX's Crew Dragon.