Why Falcon 9 Faced FAA Investigations But Not Starliner | We Asked The FAA

Summary

This video script discusses the FAA's regulatory role in commercial space launches, contrasting SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket's anomaly investigations with Boeing's Starliner. It explains the distinction between FAA, NASA, and DOD oversight, emphasizing that Starliner's issues are under NASA's purview as it hasn't been commercially licensed by the FAA. The script also covers the process of transitioning from developmental testing to operational flights under FAA licensing.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The FAA requires anomaly investigations for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket but has not yet licensed Starliner, which is still under NASA's responsibility.
• 📚 The term 'grounded' is more applicable to aviation and not typically used for rockets; instead, the FAA holds the license during investigation.
• ⏱️ SpaceX's Falcon 9 was able to return to flight quickly (15 days and 2 days for two separate incidents) after FAA public safety determinations.
• 🔍 The script explores the difference between a rocket being 'grounded' and not being allowed to return to flight, although the exact difference is not clearly defined.
• 📖 The script references Title 14 and Title 51 of the US code to discuss the FAA's authority over commercial space transportation.
• 👨‍💼 Dan Murray from the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation explains the FAA's role as regulators for the commercial space industry.
• 🛰️ Starliner's issues were with the spacecraft itself, not the Atlas 5 launch system, which means Atlas 5 would not be affected but Starliner might be.
• 🤝 The responsibility for safety during a launch can fall to NASA, the Department of Defense, or the FAA, depending on who the launch is for.
• 🚀 The FAA does not license launches for the U.S. government, distinguishing between commercial and governmental/military launches.
• 📊 The FAA's website shows an increase in launch frequency, indicating a growing commercial space industry.
• 🔄 The commercial crew program's approach involves NASA taking responsibility during early demo missions and then transitioning to the FAA for operational flights.

Q & A

What is the role of the FAA in commercial space transportation?

The FAA serves as a regulator for the commercial space transportation industry, issuing licenses for companies to launch or re-enter their vehicles or operate a site.

Why did the FAA require anomaly investigations for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket?

The FAA required anomaly investigations for the Falcon 9 rocket after encountering problems with the second stage and landing issues that could potentially compromise public safety.

What is the difference between 'grounding' a rocket and holding a license during an investigation?

The term 'grounding' is more commonly used in aviation and doesn't directly apply to rockets. Instead, the FAA holds the license during an investigation, which means the rocket isn't allowed to fly until the investigation shows that safety wasn't compromised.

How quickly was SpaceX's Falcon 9 allowed to return to flight after the July anomaly investigation?

SpaceX's Falcon 9 was allowed to return to flight on July 27th, which was 15 days, 3 hours, and 10 minutes after the anomaly occurred, following a FAA Public Safety determination.

What specific issues did Starliner encounter during its third launch?

Starliner encountered problems with thruster overheating and malfunctioning seals during its third launch, which affected its performance.

Why did NASA decide not to use Starliner to return astronauts from the ISS after its third launch?

NASA decided not to use Starliner to return astronauts from the ISS due to the thruster and seal issues encountered during the mission, preferring to use other options for safety reasons.

What is the distinction between a rocket and a spacecraft in terms of FAA licensing?

The FAA distinguishes between the launch system (rocket) and the spacecraft. Issues with the spacecraft do not necessarily affect the launch system, and vice versa.

Why hasn't Starliner been grounded by the FAA like Falcon 9?

Starliner has not been grounded by the FAA because it has not been commercially licensed by the FAA. Its safety and licensing are still under NASA's responsibility.

Who is responsible for safety on a given launch, NASA, the Department of Defense, or the FAA?

The responsibility for safety on a launch depends on who the launch is for. It could be NASA, the Department of Defense, or the FAA, with each having different areas of responsibility.

How does the FAA's involvement differ between a licensed commercial launch and a non-licensed government launch?

Even if the FAA doesn't license a launch, they still assist with the launch process by providing services like airspace integration and notice to air missions.

What is the process for Starliner to move into an operational or commercial phase with the FAA?

For Starliner to move into an operational or commercial phase, it must complete successful missions under NASA's guidance, then go through the FAA's licensing process, which includes public safety determinations and possibly anomaly investigations.