FAA Approval for SpaceX Test Flight
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has greenlit SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, for its second test flight of the cutting-edge Starship and heavy-lift rocket from its Texas launch site. The FAA, overseeing commercial launches, confirmed SpaceX’s compliance with safety, environmental, policy, and financial responsibility standards.
Scheduled for a Friday launch, SpaceX’s two-hour window opens at 7 a.m. Central Time (1300 GMT). Local residents are advised to anticipate a potentially loud noise during the rocket’s ascent.
This upcoming test follows SpaceX’s April attempt, marred by a mid-air explosion causing damage and debris. Despite Elon Musk’s positive assessment, the launch fell short of primary objectives: reaching space, completing an Earth revolution, and executing a splashdown off the Hawaiian coast.
The towering Starship, at 394 feet (120 meters), surpassing the Statue of Liberty, boasts full reusability and serves as SpaceX’s next-gen rocket system. With a payload capacity of 150 tons, it anchors SpaceX’s launch business. Plans extend to lunar crew transport and eventual Mars missions.
NASA Contract and Lunar Ambitions
In a roughly $4 billion NASA contract, SpaceX aims to use the Starship by 2026 for the first human moon landing since 1972.
The upcoming Starship flight mirrors the initial attempt’s goals, with SpaceX implementing numerous design fixes post the April failure. FAA prerequisites mandated multiple corrections before granting approval.
SpaceX’s investigation disclosed an onboard fire obstructing Starship’s separation from the Super Heavy first stage booster. The ensuing explosion resulted from a delayed automated destruction command, triggered about 40 seconds late.
Read More (Innovation)
