Why has SpaceX paused Falcon 9 rocket flights?

SpaceX paused Falcon 9 flights due to an off-nominal condition experienced by the rocket's second stage after a Starlink satellite deployment mission.

What happened to the Falcon 9 rocket's second stage?

The second stage experienced an unspecified issue as it prepared for its planned deorbit maneuver, expelling all its remaining fuel.

When will SpaceX resume Falcon 9 flights?

SpaceX will resume flights after its teams complete an investigation into the root cause of the anomaly and implement corrective actions.

Home / Technology / SpaceX Pauses Rockets After Second Stage Anomaly

SpaceX Pauses Rockets After Second Stage Anomaly

3 Feb

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Summary

SpaceX halted Falcon 9 flights due to an issue with the second stage.
The anomaly occurred after deploying Starlink satellites on Monday.
An investigation into the root cause of the off-nominal condition is underway.

SpaceX Pauses Rockets After Second Stage Anomaly

SpaceX has suspended flights of its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket due to an anomaly experienced by the rocket's second stage. This decision came after the successful deployment of 25 Starlink satellites into orbit on Monday. The second stage encountered an "off-nominal condition" as it was preparing for its planned deorbit maneuver.

Following the incident, all remaining fuel was expelled from the rocket stage as per design. SpaceX teams are now thoroughly reviewing the collected data to pinpoint the root cause of the issue and establish necessary corrective actions. Until this investigation concludes and these actions are implemented, Falcon 9 flights will remain paused.

The Falcon 9 is a critical asset, having conducted 165 launches in the previous year, primarily for expanding SpaceX's Starlink constellation. While Monday's mission was not a failure, any unchecked issue with the second stage could potentially jeopardize future satellite deliveries or pose risks if the vehicle fails to deorbit safely away from populated areas.