SpaceX is on the cusp of securing regulatory approval for its next Starship test flight after a critical license update by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The agency has granted an environmental approval, allowing SpaceX to perform up to 25 launches per year from its Starbase facility in south Texas. However, the FAA notes that this update alone does not authorize the launch of Flight 9.
SpaceX’s previous two Starship test flights, Flight 7 and Flight 8, experienced failures, with the latter resulting in a “harmonic response several times stronger” than expected during ascent. The FAA is reviewing the investigation report submitted by SpaceX, which led to a review period for resuming launches.
Despite this, SpaceX has moved forward with preparations for Flight 9, including a long-duration static-fire test of the Starship upper stage. Airspace and maritime notices suggest that the launch could take place as early as May 22, pending FAA approval.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, is set to give a company talk about the Mars mission plan next week, along with streaming it online. The FAA has also published an environmental assessment for updated airspace closures related to Flight 9, which will affect over 175 flights and delay many by up to 40 minutes during peak transit periods.
Source: https://spacenews.com/faa-license-update-brings-spacex-closer-to-next-starship-launch