In a recent setback for SpaceX, the Falcon 9 rocket encountered an engine failure after its launch from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base late Thursday night. The mission, called Starlink Group 9-3, aimed to deploy Starlink satellites but was unable to reignite its upper second stage due to a leak.

SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, confirmed the incident, stating that the engine experienced a "rapid unscheduled disassembly," also known as an explosion. The rocket's second stage performed its initial burn as planned, but a liquid oxygen leak developed on the second stage. During an attempt to raise perigee, the Merlin Vacuum engine experienced an anomaly and could not complete its second burn.

In response, SpaceX has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the engine failure, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As a result, the FAA has grounded the Falcon 9 rocket until the investigation concludes, according to CNBC.

The Falcon 9 rocket plays a crucial role in space missions, having accounted for 52 percent of all orbital launches this year, as reported by Gunter Krebs's Orbital Launches tracker. Notably, this incident marks the first failure of a Falcon 9 rocket since 2016 when a launch pad explosion occurred.

SpaceX confirmed that the Starlink satellites were deployed to a lower orbit than intended due to the engine failure. The company disclosed that it established communication with only ten out of the twenty satellites on board. However, with their current elliptical orbit's lowest point, the satellites face an enormously high-drag environment, making it unlikely for the available thrust to successfully raise them. Consequently, SpaceX stated that the satellites will reenter the Earth's atmosphere and "fully demise." The company assured that the satellites do not pose any threat to other satellites or public safety.

This unexpected engine failure serves as a significant setback for SpaceX, highlighting the complexities and risks involved in space exploration. The investigation will shed light on the reasons behind the engine RUD, and industry experts will closely monitor its outcome to ensure the continued safety and reliability of future launches.