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WASHINGTON — SpaceX is nearing regulatory approval for its next Starship test flight, a crucial mission after the prior two ended prematurely. This follows updates to their launch license, marking progress in the space exploration program.
FAA Updates Starship Launch License
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed on May 15 that it has updated SpaceX’s launch license for the upcoming Starship flight. This revision incorporates an environmental approval issued earlier this month, permitting SpaceX to conduct up to 25 launches annually from its Starbase facility in South Texas, which is five times the previous yearly limit.
However, the FAA clarified that this license update does not, on its own, authorize SpaceX to proceed with the next Starship launch, designated as Flight 9. “SpaceX may not launch until the FAA either concludes the Starship Flight 8 mishap investigation or issues a return to flight authorization,” the agency stated. “The FAA is currently reviewing the mishap report submitted by SpaceX on May 14.”
Previous Starship Flight Mishaps
During Flight 8 in March, the Starship upper stage experienced what SpaceX described as an “energetic event” in its aft section during ascent. This incident resulted in the shutdown of several Raptor engines and a subsequent loss of attitude control, leading to the vehicle’s reentry over the Caribbean.
This failure mirrored a similar incident during Flight 7 in January. Prior to Flight 8, SpaceX reported that the upper stage experienced a “harmonic response several times stronger in flight than had been observed during testing,” which put stress on the propulsion system and caused propellant leaks that ignited fires. The FAA accepted these findings on March 31.
Outstanding Investigations and Preparations for Flight 9
Previously, neither the FAA nor SpaceX had disclosed details regarding the potential cause of the Flight 8 malfunction. The FAA had stipulated that Starship launches would remain suspended until either the Flight 8 mishap report was accepted or a separate determination was made confirming the safety of resuming launches.
SpaceX is actively proceeding with preparations for Flight 9, including a long-duration static-fire test of the Starship upper stage conducted on May 13. At the time, the company announced it was in “final preparations” for the launch. Airspace and maritime advisories suggest a potential launch date as early as May 22, contingent upon FAA approval.
- “Just before the Starship flight next week, I will give a company talk explaining the Mars game plan in Starbase, Texas,” Elon Musk, SpaceX’s Chief Executive, posted on social media May 13, indicating the talk will be available via online streaming.
Concerns from the Caribbean
Following the two prior Starship failures, parties in the Caribbean region advocated for modifications to the Starship trajectory to avert airspace closures and disruptions caused by falling debris. ProPublica reported on May 15 that Stephen Doughty, a United Kingdom government minister responsible for overseas territories like the Turks and Caicos, contacted the U.S. State Department to request adjustments to the Starship flight profile and timing to minimize potential risks to these islands.
Airspace Closures and Safety Measures
On May 15, the FAA issued an environmental assessment regarding updated airspace closures for the Flight 9 launch. The aircraft hazard area (AHA) now extends to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. “The Starship vehicle mishaps from Flights 7 and 8 caused a greater probability of failure of the vehicle and, therefore, a larger AHA,” the document explained.
The document projects that over 175 flights will be affected by the airspace closures, with many experiencing delays of approximately 40 minutes to circumvent the hazard zone. The launch is scheduled to occur “outside peak transit periods,” with an expected liftoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Additionally, Providenciales International Airport, the main airport in the Turks and Caicos, will be temporarily closed during the launch window.