Thu, 14 November 2024 09:57:48pm
Related Tags: SpaceX Starship 5, FAA approval, Elon Musk, SpaceX launch, Starship test flight, reusable spacecraft, space innovation
FAA Greenlights SpaceX Starship 5 Launch This Sunday
FAA Greenlights SpaceX Starship 5 Launch This Sunday
The anticipation is over! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved SpaceX's Starship 5 flight, set for this Sunday. Get ready for a groundbreaking launch that promises to push the boundaries of space exploration.
The FAA has given the green light for the much-anticipated launch of SpaceX's Starship 5, scheduled for this Sunday. The decision came on Saturday, after the agency initially indicated that a verdict might not come until late November. SpaceX has set a 30-minute launch window starting at 7:00 a.m. CT (1200 GMT) for this pivotal mission.
The FAA confirmed that SpaceX met all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements for the suborbital test flight of the Starship 5 and has also approved the mission profile for Starship 6. The Starship spacecraft, paired with the Super Heavy rocket, is designed to be fully reusable, capable of carrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond.
This fifth test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, will see the Super Heavy booster rocket return to the launch site for a catch attempt by the launch tower, while the Starship vehicle is set to make a water landing in the Indian Ocean west of Australia. The FAA stated that if SpaceX opts for an uncontrolled entry, it must notify the FAA before launch, and any loss of the Starship vehicle will be treated as a planned event, negating the need for a mishap investigation.
The FAA's approval came shortly after the agency authorized the return of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 vehicle, following a review and acceptance of SpaceX-led investigation findings and corrective measures for the mishap on September 28. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the FAA, criticizing them for delays and proposing a fine of $633,000 over launch issues. Musk even called for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker and threatened legal action against the agency.
Key Points
- FAA approves SpaceX's Starship 5 flight for Sunday, with a 30-minute launch window starting at 7:00 a.m. CT.
- Starship 5 and Super Heavy rocket designed for reusability, aiming for a water landing in the Indian Ocean.
- FAA also approves Starship 6 mission profile.
- SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticizes FAA over delays and regulatory issues.
- FAA had recently approved the return of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 after a mishap review.
