SpaceX Grounds Falcon 9 Fleet Amid Second Stage Anomaly Investigation

USA - Ekhbary News Agency

SpaceX Grounds Falcon 9 Fleet Amid Second Stage Anomaly Investigation

In a significant operational pause that has sent ripples through the commercial space industry, SpaceX has temporarily halted all flights of its venerable Falcon 9 rocket. The decision comes in the wake of a recent second stage anomaly that saw the spent booster tumble back to Earth in an uncontrolled re-entry, prompting a thorough investigation by the company, with oversight from both NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grounding jeopardizes an already tight launch manifest, including critical missions for its Starlink constellation and, more pressingly, the upcoming Crew-12 mission destined for the International Space Station (ISS).

The incident in question occurred on February 2, following a mission launched from California at 1547 UTC. The Falcon 9 successfully deployed 25 additional Starlink satellites, marking another incremental expansion of SpaceX's ambitious satellite internet constellation. However, the subsequent phase of the mission, crucial for the controlled disposal of the rocket's upper stage, did not proceed as planned. According to a statement from SpaceX, "The second stage experienced an off-nominal condition during preparation for the deorbit burn." While the first two engine burns of the second stage were successful, and the satellites were indeed deployed, the critical deorbit burn — intended to precisely guide the stage to a safe re-entry zone — failed to initiate. Instead, the stage underwent passivation, a procedure involving the safe disposal of any residual propellant to mitigate the risk of an unexpected explosion during its atmospheric return.

Without a targeted deorbit burn, the second stage re-entered Earth's atmosphere uncontrollably the following morning. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, a keen observer of orbital mechanics and space debris, noted the re-entry occurred between 0130 UTC and 0330 UTC. Such uncontrolled re-entries, while not uncommon for smaller, non-critical components, are generally avoided for larger rocket stages due to the inherent unpredictability of their impact location, even if the risk to populated areas remains statistically low. The primary concern is always ensuring that any debris impact occurs over vast, unpopulated ocean stretches.

This is not an isolated incident for the Falcon 9's second stage, which has faced scrutiny in the past. Previous operational challenges include a notable explosion in July 2024 that resulted in the complete loss of a Starlink satellite payload. More recently, in February 2025, the company garnered unwanted attention when an uncontrolled re-entry, also following a failed deorbit burn attempt, scattered debris over parts of Poland. These historical events underscore the complexity and inherent risks associated with advanced rocketry and highlight the critical importance of every mission phase, even post-payload deployment.

SpaceX has remained tight-lipped regarding the anticipated duration of the Falcon 9's grounding. However, the immediate impact on its ambitious launch schedule is already evident. The company's manifest has undergone a significant reshuffle, with multiple missions experiencing delays. A forthcoming Starlink mission, initially slated for February 6 from Florida, has now been pushed back to February 14. While these delays are costly for SpaceX's business model and the rapid deployment goals of Starlink, the implications for human spaceflight are far more profound.

The Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, a crucial resupply and crew rotation flight, was originally scheduled for February 11. The ISS is currently operating with a reduced crew complement following the earlier-than-planned return of Crew-11, making any further delays to Crew-12 particularly unwelcome. NASA, during a briefing concerning the Artemis II post-Wet Dress Rehearsal, acknowledged the ongoing investigation into the Falcon 9 anomaly. A space agency insider, speaking to The Register, conveyed SpaceX's expressed confidence in resolving the issue swiftly enough to meet the Crew-12 launch window. Nevertheless, the same individual offered a prudent caution: at least one entirely successful, uncrewed mission would likely need to be completed before the agency would greenlight loading a crew onto the Falcon 9.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed its active involvement in the investigation, exercising its mandate over commercial space launches. "Safety is our top priority," an FAA spokesperson told The Register, emphasizing the agency's rigorous oversight. "SpaceX is required to conduct a mishap investigation. The FAA will oversee every step of the investigation, approve the final report and any corrective actions." This regulatory scrutiny is paramount, especially when crewed missions are at stake, ensuring that all safety protocols are meticulously reviewed and any identified issues are comprehensively addressed before the Falcon 9 returns to its bustling launch cadence. The global space community watches closely as SpaceX navigates this latest challenge, with the reliability of its workhorse rocket and the future of its ambitious programs hanging in the balance.

Ekhbary News Agency