FAA clears SpaceX Falcon 9 for launch of European Hera spacecraft from Florida

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to launch the European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft on October 7 from Cape Canaveral. This follows a recent grounding due to a malfunction during a previous mission. The FAA stated that the Falcon 9 is cleared for this mission because it does not involve a second stage reentry, reducing risks to the public. SpaceX had faced multiple launch delays and a proposed fine from the FAA for safety violations. Hera will study the impact of NASA's DART spacecraft on the asteroid Dimorphos, aiming to gather data for future asteroid deflection missions. This mission marks a return to flight for the Falcon 9 after recent setbacks.