SpaceX Launches Halted After Groundbreaking Booster Rocket Accident

SpaceX has paused its launches after a Falcon 9 booster rocket toppled and ignited while landing. The FAA has grounded the rockets for investigation. The setback affects both private and NASA crew flights. The incident occurred off the Florida coast, with no reported injuries or public damage.

SpaceX launches have been put on hold after a booster rocket toppled and caught fire while landing on Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded Falcon 9 rockets and launched an investigation into the predawn mishap off the Florida coast. No injuries or public damage have been reported.

It's uncertain how this will affect upcoming SpaceX crew flights, including a private mission and a NASA endeavor. A billionaire's chartered flight was delayed earlier due to poor weather forecasts.

Although the rocket successfully delivered 21 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, its first-stage booster fell over in flames on an ocean platform, marking the first such accident in years and its 23rd mission, a record for SpaceX.

The FAA announced it must approve SpaceX's investigation findings and necessary corrective actions before Falcon 9 launches can resume. A planned launch from California with additional Starlink satellites was promptly canceled following the incident.

SpaceX has several launches in the queue, including a private spaceflight from Florida's Kennedy Space Center and a NASA mission set for late next month. Two of the seats in the NASA mission are allocated to astronauts who previously launched in Boeing's Starliner capsule, deemed unsafe for return by NASA.

(With inputs from agencies.)