SpaceX has suspended all Starship launches pending an investigation into a test flight mishap that occurred on May 22, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration announced the hold on Wednesday, citing a 'mishap' during the first-stage booster’s performance. The rocket, which reached space before separating from its booster, experienced engine failure during its return to Earth, leading to an uncontrolled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. No injuries or property damage were reported, according to the FAA, which will oversee the investigation.
The test flight, which lasted about an hour, began with a successful liftoff from SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas. The spacecraft then deployed 20 mock satellites as part of its mission before completing its planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. However, the first-stage booster, which is critical for future crewed missions to Mars, failed to execute a controlled reentry. The FAA’s statement did not specify the cause of the engine failure but emphasized that the agency will work with SpaceX to determine the root issue.
The 407-foot (124-meter) Starship rocket is the largest and most powerful vehicle in SpaceX’s fleet, designed to carry crews and cargo to Mars. NASA has expressed interest in using Starship for its Artemis program, aiming to land astronauts on the moon as early as 2028 and establish a lunar base. The agency has not commented on the recent mishap but has previously highlighted the rocket’s potential for deep-space exploration.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has not publicly addressed the investigation, though the company has a history of resuming launches after similar incidents. The FAA’s involvement marks a rare step for the agency, which typically allows SpaceX to self-report issues. The investigation could delay Starship’s crewed missions and impact NASA’s timeline for lunar operations. The FAA is expected to release findings in the coming weeks, with SpaceX likely to share updates on its progress.