FAA Approves Falcon 9 Launch for Hera Mission on October 7 After Crew-9 Mishap

Oct 6, 2024, 03:13 PM

The FAA has approved the launch of the Falcon 9 for the Hera mission on October 7, following a mishap with the Crew-9 mission. The Crew-9 mission experienced a malfunction in the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, which missed its planned re-entry point after releasing the Crew Dragon ferry ship. The FAA determined that the absence of a second stage reentry for the Hera mission adequately mitigates the primary risk to the public. The mishap investigation for the Crew-9 mission remains open. The return to flight of Falcon 9 is possible only for the Hera mission.