The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX to investigate why its Starship booster crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a test flight last week.
The FAA stated that the Starship Flight 12 on May 22 resulted in a mishap involving the Super Heavy booster as it flew back to the Gulf after stage separation.
SpaceX did not immediately comment. The FAA noted no injuries or damage to public property and said it will oversee the investigation.
This was the 12th Starship test flight since 2023 and the first of the V3 variant. While the flight successfully deployed mock satellites and splashed down in the Indian Ocean, the Super Heavy booster failed to achieve a controlled landing.
The probe aims to enhance public safety, determine the mishap's cause, and prevent recurrence. The FAA will approve return to flight only after ensuring public safety.
