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FAA orders SpaceX to investigate Starship V3 booster failure

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX to investigate why its Starship booster failed during the company’s May 22 test flight, according to a statement released to TechCrunch on Wednesday.

This means SpaceX will have to pause any further Starship test launches until the investigation is completed and the results are submitted to the FAA for approval, diminishing the chance that another will occur before the company’s anticipated IPO in mid-June.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“After a thorough assessment of the operation, the FAA has determined the May 22 SpaceX Starship Flight 12 launch resulted in a mishap. The mishap involved the Super Heavy booster as it flew back to the Gulf of America after stage separation. There are no reports of public injury or damage to public property,” the FAA wrote. “The FAA will oversee the SpaceX-led investigation, be involved in every step of the process, and approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions. ”

The problem with the Starship booster occurred a few minutes into the flight, which was the first launch of SpaceX’s upgraded version of its super heavy rocket system. The first “V3” Starship made it through the point of maximum dynamic pressure and into space, where the booster was supposed to separate from the ship and return to the Gulf for a simulated landing in the water.

The booster did separate from the ship. But it immediately experienced an apparent engine failure — or a possible series of engine failures — when it tried to perform the sustained burn that is meant to propel the booster back toward SpaceX’s launch site in South Texas. This led to the booster tumbling down towards the Gulf before most likely exploding on impact.

SpaceX made a plethora of changes to how Starship works in this third version, with the intention of making the rocket far more reliable than it was in the previous 11 test flights. That included tweaks to the design of the booster, the inclusion of all-new third-generation Raptor engines, and upgrades to the Starship vehicle itself.

Starship experienced its own failure after the booster separated, as it lost one of its six raptor engines. This contributed to SpaceX abandoning one of its testing goals for the flight, which was to do another sustained burn in orbit with Starship.

SpaceX expects its rockets to fail in various ways during this development process, though the goal is to ultimately create a vehicle like the Falcon 9 that becomes not only reliable, but incredibly reusable. Making reusable rockets is crucial to lowering the costs associated with sending heavy payloads to space. As it detailed in its IPO filing, SpaceX is thoroughly reliant on Starship becoming reliable and reusable in order to continue growing its Starlink service, which is by far the company’s biggest revenue generator and currently its only profitable business.

The FAA has ordered SpaceX to perform multiple mishap investigations during the development of Starship. The federal agency also ordered SpaceX rival Blue Origin to perform them as that company develops its own heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn.

Just last week, the FAA cleared New Glenn to fly again. Blue Origin is expected to perform the fourth New Glenn launch attempt in the next month or so.

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Jos Gunners Set for Mega Celebration as Arsenal Victory Parade, UCL Watch Party Hit the City

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Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.

The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.

Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.

The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.

Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.

Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.

The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.

For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:

07031001105

08126007839

For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.

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Eric Chelle Plots Another ‘Surprise Package’ For 2026 Unity Cup Final

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Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has hinted that he will unleash another ‘surprise package’ on his team’s next opponent at this year’s ongoing Unity Cup in London, Sports247 reports.

Speaking against the backdrop of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening match at Charlton Athletic FC’s home ground, The Valley, Chelle said he was impressed with what his array of rookies were able to achieve against The Warriors.

Read Also: Templar-Adrenale Officially Appoints Jide-Ojo Jide Olusola to Lead Strategic Sports Partnerships Across Africa | Sports247 Nigeria

While not singling out any of the lads for particular mention, the Franco-Malian tactician admitted he was surprised by the team’s performance, considering that most of the lads were playing together for the first time.

The former coach of Mali’s national team and MC Oran football club of Algeria further hinted that many of those who featured in Tuesday’s game justified their inclusion in the list of invitees and showed that they can even be counted on to feature in the main Nigerian squad.

With his eyes now fully set on Saturday’s final at the same venue, Chelle inferred that he may not roll out the same starting 11, considering that some of Nigeria’s Grade-A players are also in camp and were rested for the opening game in order to give the rookies their own opportunities to shine.

However, Chelle noted further that there’s a strong likelihood of the next clash being against perennial Unity Cup rivals, Jamaica, who dragged the Eagles into penalties’ shootout before Nigeria could win last year’s final at Brentford’s BTech Stadium also in London.

With that in mind, the gaffer is already thinking of tinkering his squad list for the final but, while keeping hid plans close to his chest, Chelle stressed that the enthusiasm of all the lads in camp has made it possible for him to roll out tactical surprises at will.

Chelle said, “I was truly surprised by the performance of the players against Zimbabwe. I was surprised, because they played as if they had been together for six months or one year.

“In reality, it was the first time, but they showed that we can always make surprises happen in the Unity Cup. We are now looking at the next opponent in the final.”

Sports247 gathered that there is a strong possibility that Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi will captain the squad on Saturday, while Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams line out alongside new rave of the moment, Femi Azeez, in attack.

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