Washington: According to a source on Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may grant a launch license for SpaceX’s Starship 5 as early as this month, as reported by the international news agency Reuters. This announcement comes despite the FAA’s previous statement, which indicated that a determination on the license would not be expected until late November.
Anticipated Launch Date for Starship 5
SpaceX announced on social media late Monday that it aims to conduct Starship’s fifth flight test as soon as October 13, contingent on receiving the necessary regulatory approval. While the FAA has reiterated its review process, it has not provided any updates on the anticipated November timeline, stating that it will make a decision once SpaceX meets all licensing requirements.
Elon Musk’s Criticism of the FAA
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has publicly criticized the FAA for its handling of the licensing process. This includes opposition to a proposed $633,000 fine against SpaceX related to launch issues and the delays surrounding the approval for Starship 5, which SpaceX claims has been ready for launch since August. Musk has called for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker and has even threatened legal action against the agency.
Delays Due to Environmental Analysis
Last month, SpaceX suggested that the delays in FAA approval were due to “superfluous environmental analysis.” During a congressional hearing, Whitaker addressed concerns about the delays, explaining that SpaceX had failed to conduct a timely sonic boom analysis necessary for the Starship 5 launch. “The delay of the Starship (launch) had to do with SpaceX filing an application and not disclosing that they were in violation of Texas and federal law on some matters, and that’s a requirement to get a permit,” Whitaker stated.
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Targeted Launch Window
In an email invitation sent to VIP guests and seen by Reuters, SpaceX stated that it is targeting a launch on Sunday. The invitation included a disclaimer that “as with any test, there is a chance we don’t launch on the first attempt.”
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Falcon 9 Return to Flight
Additionally, on Sunday, the FAA indicated that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket could return to flight for a mission on Monday, transporting the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft from Florida. However, the FAA had previously mandated that SpaceX investigate a malfunction with the second stage of its Falcon 9 following a NASA astronaut mission, which has grounded the launch vehicle for the third time in three months.
