The most powerful rocket ever built, SpaceX’s Starship, designed to travel to the moon and Mars, will remain on the ground as the company makes dozens of changes required by US regulators on Friday, more than four months after the how it exploded in flight. .

destruction caused by the launch of the starshipPhoto: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP / Profimedia Images

Sixty-three changes are needed, including creating new parts “to avoid leaks and fires,” fixing elements of the launch pad and conducting additional tests, the FAA announced after months of inspections.

On April 20, SpaceX crews deliberately blew up a rocket in the Texas sky four minutes after a failed launch. The launcher did not disengage, and several engines were damaged. The fireball created a cloud of dust that fell on the city miles away.

However, boss Elon Musk congratulated his teams, hoping to learn a lot from the setback.

But the regulator quickly launched an investigation, itself the target of accusations from associations that argued it was not doing enough to protect the environment.

While the FAA’s investigation is complete, SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas base will not resume flights anytime soon, according to the US regulator.

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