FAA Closes SpaceX and Blue Origin Mishap Investigations

SpaceX Starship Flight 7 Mishap Investigation (Closed on March 28, 2025)

The FAA-required investigation of the SpaceX Starship Flight 7 mishap on Jan. 16 is closed. There were no public injuries and one confirmed report of minor vehicle damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The FAA oversaw and accepted the findings of the SpaceX-led investigation. The final mishap report cites the probable root cause for the loss of the Starship vehicle was stronger than anticipated vibrations during flight led to increased stress on, and failure of, the hardware in the propulsion system.  SpaceX identified 11 corrective actions to prevent a reoccurrence of the event. The FAA verified that SpaceX implemented corrective actions prior to Flight 8.

Additional Information

The FAA is overseeing the SpaceX-led investigation of the Starship Flight 8 mishap that occurred on March 6.  The investigation remains open.  A return to flight of the Starship vehicle is based on public safety. SpaceX may not launch Starship again until the FAA accepts the final mishap investigation report or makes a return to flight determination and all other licensing requirements are met.  Contact SpaceX for more information.

Blue Origin New Glenn-1 Mishap Investigation (Closed on March 28, 2025)

The FAA-required investigation of the Blue Origin New Glenn-1 mishap that occurred on Jan. 16 is closed. There were no public injuries or public property damage.

The FAA oversaw and accepted the findings of the Blue Origin-led investigation. The final mishap report identified the proximate cause of the mishap as an inability of New Glenn's first stage to restart the engines, preventing a reentry burn from occurring, and resulting in the loss of the stage.

Blue Origin identified seven corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence of the event. The FAA will verify that Blue Origin implements corrective actions prior to the launch of the New Glenn-2 mission.

The Blue Origin New Glenn vehicle is authorized to return to flight provided all other licensing requirements are met.  Contact Blue Origin for more information.