With a fully stacked Starship on the pad awaiting a license to launch, SpaceX has seemingly lost its patience with the regulatory process governing its rockets. The company is calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase its efficiency in issuing launch licenses, according to media reports.
SpaceX’s plans for a second launch of its Starship megarocket could face new delays, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) launches a review of environmental impacts and potential threats to endangered species in the Boca Chica region.
The second test flight of Starship could happen sooner rather than later, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claiming that dozens of FAA-requested corrective actions have already been implemented.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially closed its investigation into the inaugural launch of SpaceX’s in-development megarocket, Starship.
The stacking of Starship’s upper stage 25 onto booster 9 was completed on September 5 at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. With the megarocket now standing tall at the launch mount, SpaceX announced its readiness for the second launch, though FAA approval remains outstanding.
Following back-to-back annual losses, SpaceX has reportedly turned a profit during the first quarter of the year despite an increase in costs as the company continues to spend on its unproven Starship rocket, which has not flown.
SpaceX recently performed two tests of its new water deluge system, which is meant to protect the surrounding infrastructure during launches of the company’s Starship megarocket. The company is doing so, it would appear, without applying for the environmental permits that would have allowed SpaceX to legally discharge…
Earlier today, SpaceX performed the second test of its newly installed Starship deluge system.
On April 20, SpaceX wantonly launched its Starship megarocket without the benefit of a flame diverter or water deluge system, resulting in
