Federal regulators have granted SpaceX the green light for the much-anticipated second test flight of its Starship system, marking a pivotal development after an explosive initial attempt in April.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for licensing commercial megarocket launches, announced on Wednesday that SpaceX has secured permission for the mission, citing adherence to safety, environmental, policy, and financial responsibility standards.
According to SpaceX’s official website, the company is eyeing a two-hour megarocket launch window on Friday, November 17, opening at 7 a.m. CT (8 a.m. ET). Contingency plans include potential liftoff opportunities on the mornings of November 18, 19, and 20, as indicated in public notices to mariners.
The Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster lie at the core of SpaceX’s ambitious plans to transport humans to Mars and support NASA’s endeavor to return humans to the moon after more than five decades. The Artemis III mission, slated for 2025, envisions Starship as the lunar lander. The success of this test flight holds significance for NASA’s lunar exploration timeline; a setback could potentially disrupt plans.
The inaugural integrated test flight in April, involving Starship and Super Heavy, concluded abruptly when the vehicle tumbled during takeoff, leading to a self-destruct sequence over the Gulf of Mexico. Subsequently, SpaceX undertook extensive reconstruction at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, addressing damage caused by the powerful engines.
Musk Confirms License: Starship To Megarocket Launch Friday!
Environmental Affected?
Environmental concerns prompted a lawsuit in May, with advocates alleging the FAA’s non-compliance with federal environmental laws during the approval of Starship’s first test flight. SpaceX’s Vice President for Build and Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, criticized regulatory delays at a mid-October US Senate hearing.
The FAA concluded its safety investigation in September, outlining 63 corrective actions for SpaceX. A safety review for the planned second test flight was completed on October 31. As part of the environmental review, a consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service took place under the Endangered Species Act, concluding on November 14, paving the way for the FAA to issue the launch permit.
Another Attempt:
SpaceX is now poised for another attempt to megarocket launch Starship, aiming to complete nearly one full lap around Earth. The outcome holds implications for NASA’s lunar ambitions, especially with global competition, including China, in the race to establish a permanent lunar settlement. Potential delays in Starship’s readiness for a 2025 moon landing attempt have been acknowledged by NASA.
Even in the event of success, SpaceX faces technological challenges. Demonstrating the rocket’s ability to safely deliver payloads to Earth’s orbit and dock with a refueling tanker in orbit are critical milestones for lunar missions. Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, acknowledged the uncertainties, posting on social media in August about a “50% probability of reaching orbital velocity,” while emphasizing the significance of achieving stage separation during megarocket launch.
