SpaceX rocket booster malfunctions and topples, subsequent launches suspended

In the early hours of August 28 local time, a “Falcon 9” rocket booster of the US space exploration technology company SpaceX malfunctioned during launch. The US Federal Aviation Administration immediately temporarily suspended subsequent rocket launches by SpaceX.

At the time of this launch suspension, four astronauts have entered quarantine to prepare for the “Polaris Dawn” mission funded by tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman. This is a commercial launch mission that will conduct the world's first private spacewalk. Previously, the mission had been postponed for several days due to technical issues and weather conditions. Currently, neither SpaceX nor the “Polaris Dawn” mission team has responded to requests for comment.

It is reported that the “Falcon 9” rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in the early hours of the 28th, aiming to send more “Starlink” satellites into space for SpaceX. The launch initially seemed to go smoothly, but when a booster reignited and was preparing to land on a recovery ship at sea, an uncontrolled flame suddenly sprayed out from the bottom. A few seconds later, the booster toppled and fell into the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX said this is the 23rd launch of the recyclable rocket booster.

The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement on the 28th saying that all “Falcon 9” rockets will be suspended from launching until the investigation is completed to further enhance public safety, identify the root cause of the incident and determine corrective measures to prevent recurrence. This is the second time in recent months that the “Falcon 9” rocket has been suspended from launching by US regulators. The last time was on July 12, due to the failure of the second-stage booster of the rocket to reignite normally during another “Starlink” satellite launch. That grounding lasted about two weeks.

A similar investigation means that the “Polaris Dawn” launch mission will be severely delayed. The original plan was to launch as early as August 30. The relevant investigation may also affect the launch plan related to the International Space Station. NASA originally hoped to send two astronauts to the International Space Station on a “Falcon 9” rocket at the end of September.