SpaceX closer to next Starship launch

Following two previous failures, SpaceX is in the process of gaining regulatory approval for the next Starship test flight. The FAA on May 15 gave an update to the launch license for Starship, stating that it has been enriched with environmental approval which permits up to 25 launches a year from SpaceX's Starbase in Texas-as opposed to five previously allowed. However, SpaceX was prohibited from launching the next Starship mission, Flight 9, until either the FAA finishes its investigation of the previous Flight 8 mishap or a determination about a flight is made. The FAA is now reviewing the mishap report that SpaceX submitted on May 14.

During Flight 8, in mid-March, Starship suffered an “energetic event” in the upper stage, as SpaceX put it, thus causing several Raptor engines to shut down and loss of control on reentry over the Caribbean. The instance was similar to a failure in Flight 7 in January. A sudden harmonic response caused stress on the propulsion system and the ensuing leaks and fires of the propellant, which the FAA had accepted as facts toward the end of March, SpaceX explained. Up until those dates, neither the FAA nor SpaceX had revealed any peculiarities concerning the Flight 8 failure.

With an upper-stage static-fire test conducted on May 13, preparations are underway for Flight 9, with SpaceX stating that the launch is in "final preparations" and could be as soon as the 22nd of May, provided the FAA gives its approval. Elon Musk revealed plans to hold a public discussion.

Reference

Jeff Foust FAA license update brings SpaceX closer to next Starship launch spacenews.com

Available at- https://spacenews.com/faa-license-update-brings-spacex-closer-to-next-starship-launch/

(Assessed: 19th May 2025)