FAA Orders SpaceX to Investigate Starship V3 Booster Failure; All Launches Suspended
Summary: On May 27, 2026 UTC, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement requiring SpaceX to investigate the Super Heavy booster failure that occurred during the Starship V3 Flight 12 (IFT-12) launch on May 22. The booster experienced an apparent engine failure during its boost-back burn over the Gulf of Mexico, tumbled, and exploded upon impact. The FAA confirmed that all subsequent Starship launches must remain suspended until SpaceX submits its investigation report and receives FAA approval. The grounding order significantly reduces the likelihood of another Starship launch before SpaceX's planned mid-June IPO.
On May 22 at approximately 18:30 EDT (22:30 UTC), SpaceX launched the fully upgraded Starship V3 and Super Heavy booster on its 12th integrated flight test (IFT-12) from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The V3 configuration featured 33 Raptor 3 engines, a redesigned hot-staging system, and the inaugural use of Launch Pad 2 (Pad 2).
The mission encountered difficulties shortly after liftoff. During ascent, both the Super Heavy booster and the Ship upper stage each lost one engine — one Raptor in the booster shut down unexpectedly, and one engine in Ship 39 also failed. Despite the engine losses, the vehicle's overall trajectory remained within the safety analysis envelope. The Ship successfully deployed 22 simulated payloads and accomplished a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, achieving the mission's core objectives.
However, the booster's return flight ended in catastrophe. During the boost-back burn — the engine firing meant to slow the booster for its return to the launch site — the Super Heavy booster experienced a rapid engine failure, possibly a cascade of multiple engine failures. The booster then tumbled toward the Gulf of Mexico and exploded on impact. The FAA stated in its declaration: "During the attempt at the sustained burn, the booster quickly experienced an obvious engine failure, which may have been a cascade of engine failures."
The FAA determined that the May 22 Starship Flight 12 launch constituted an "accident" requiring investigation. The agency will fully supervise SpaceX's investigation, participate in all phases, and must approve SpaceX's final report along with any corrective actions before launches can resume. The FAA confirmed there were no public injuries or property damage.
SpaceX had been targeting a landmark IPO for June 12. Analysts had previously noted that a successful Starship V3 debut would be critical for investor confidence ahead of the public listing. The FAA suspension significantly reduces the probability of another launch before the IPO.
This marks the second time the FAA has issued a grounding order following a Starship accident, following the IFT-11 mishap in November 2023. SpaceX must complete its corrective actions and obtain FAA approval before Starship flights can resume.