FAA requiring investigation into SpaceX Starship's Flight 7 explosion

Unlike some of the previous spectacular RUDs, this one does not appear to have come from intentionally pushing the envelope to see what would fail. This RUD seems to be a totally unexpected event in a part of the system that is intended for multiple and rapid reuse. So, figuring our what happened and making sure that it never happens again is surely a top priority for SpaceX. This RUD definitely has delayed the development schedule, because the intended experiments on the heat shield and the payload handling were not completed.
 
Apr 17, 2023
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Unlike some of the previous spectacular RUDs, this one does not appear to have come from intentionally pushing the envelope to see what would fail. This RUD seems to be a totally unexpected event in a part of the system that is intended for multiple and rapid reuse. So, figuring our what happened and making sure that it never happens again is surely a top priority for SpaceX. This RUD definitely has delayed the development schedule, because the intended experiments on the heat shield and the payload handling were not completed.
I believe SX has a few more rockets almost ready to go. I remember hearing they had something like 30 cameras on board for launch #7. As long as they have a clear idea of what happened, I think a fix should be in the works right away. A fuel leak seems like an easy problem to fix. Figuring out the best solution for the heat shield will require quite a few test flights and time is ticking.

I do wonder, as Scott Manly, pointed out on YT. Maybe hitting the self destruct button when Starship is almost in orbit, is NOT the best idea. Try to leave it in 1 or a few large pieces, rather then creating a huge amount of buckshot that covers a massive area. That is more of a procedural decision for both the FAA and SX.
 

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