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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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Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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