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September 11, 2023

FAA Closes SpaceX Starship 'Mishap' Investigation

'FAA’s Closure Of The Mishap Investigation Does Not Predetermine The Results Of Any Ongoing Or Future Environmental Reviews'

The FAA has issued a brief statement in which they state that they have closed the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap investigation. The final report cites multiple root causes of the April 20, 2023, mishap and 63 corrective actions SpaceX must take to prevent mishap reoccurrence. Corrective actions include redesigns of vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires, redesign of the launch pad to increase its robustness, incorporation of additional reviews in the design process, additional analysis and testing of safety critical systems and components including the Autonomous Flight Safety System, and the application of a

‘Galactic 04,’ the Company’s Next Commercial Spaceflight Planned for Early October

Virgin Galactic completed its second private space tourist astronaut flight, ‘Galactic 03.’ The mission flew three of Virgin Galactic’s first customers. ‘Galactic 03’ was Virgin Galactic’s fourth successful spaceflight in the past four months, and the third flight of Virgin Galactic’s inaugural commercial spaceflight season. The flight followed the Company’s first research mission in June and first private mission in August.