SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launch After Engine Malfunction Fix

SpaceX Completes Investigation into Falcon 9 Engine Failure

SpaceX has finalized its investigation regarding the engine failure that occurred during the Falcon 9 launch on July 11th. Following their comprehensive inquiry, the company has submitted a detailed "mishap report" to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is prepared to resume flights with the Falcon 9 rocket as early as tomorrow.

Cause of the Engine Failure

The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the FAA, revealed that the failure on July 11th stemmed from a liquid oxygen leak occurring during the initial burn of the rocket's second stage engine. This leak was traced back to a crack in a pressure sensor line, a component of the oxygen system.

Further analysis showed that a clamp, designed to secure the sense line, had become loose. Consequently, the line was subject to excessive vibrations from the engine, leading to fatigue and the eventual crack.

Impact of the Leak

The resulting liquid oxygen leak resulted in "excessive cooling" of critical engine components, particularly those responsible for delivering ignition fluid to the engine. SpaceX reported that instead of a controlled second burn, the engine experienced a "hard start," which damaged it and caused the upper stage to lose altitude control.

Launch Outcome and Starlink Deployment

While the Falcon 9's first stage performed as intended and successfully landed for reuse, the mishap during the second stage deployment meant that the Starlink satellites were deployed in a less than ideal orbit. This lower orbit exposed all 20 satellites to "an enormously high-drag environment," which resulted in their re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, where they were expected to burn up.

Steps to Return to Flight

To facilitate a swift return to flight operations, SpaceX engineers have decided to remove the faulty sense line and sensor from the second stage engine. Notably, this sensor is not crucial for flight safety and can be adequately substituted by existing alternate sensors on the engine. Additionally, various sense lines and clamps on SpaceX's active booster fleet have been inspected, cleaned, and replaced as necessary.

The adjustments have been rigorously tested at SpaceX’s facility in McGregor, Texas, under the oversight of the FAA.

Next Falcon 9 Launch

With the investigation concluded, the Falcon 9 rocket is cleared for service again. SpaceX is eyeing July 27th at 12:21 AM ET for its next launch, which aims to carry 23 Starlink satellites from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. There are additional windows for launch opportunities later that same day and on July 28th.

Conclusion

SpaceX’s proactive stance in addressing the issues surrounding the Falcon 9 launch demonstrates its commitment to safety and reliability in space operations. As the company continues to innovate and enhance its technology, the aerospace community watches keenly for what comes next.