SpaceX Gets Clearance to Resume Falcon 9 Rocket Launches

Yesterday, the fastest investigation into a rocket accident in history concluded. It took one day to review the application and issue permission to resume flights. Strictly speaking, the investigation is still ongoing, but the regulator made SpaceX promise to strictly adhere to all previously issued licensing rules. In return, the company was allowed to resume launches of Falcon 9 launch vehicles.

The Federal Aviation Administration has reportedly confirmed that SpaceX is cleared to begin preparations for the mission, which would include the first-ever spacewalk by private astronauts. The Falcon 9, the world’s most-used rocket, could launch during the FAA’s ongoing investigation if all other licensing requirements are met, the agency said. SpaceX submitted a request to resume flights on Aug. 29, according to the FAA.

While the rocket launched earlier this week successfully blasted off and delivered a group of satellites into orbit, the reusable booster, according to footage from a SpaceX livestream, once again caught fire and flipped over while attempting to land on one of the company’s unmanned ships in the Atlantic Ocean. The FAA said there were no reports of injuries or property damage at this time.

This does not mean that the accident issue is closed. The data will be collected, analyzed and submitted to officials in the form of a report.