The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a license on Saturday for the much-anticipated launch of SpaceX’s Starship 5, scheduled for Sunday. This approval came earlier than expected, following the FAA’s initial indication in September that it wouldn’t make a decision until late November. SpaceX is now targeting a 30-minute launch window opening at 7:00 a.m. CT (1200 GMT) on Sunday.
The FAA confirmed that SpaceX had “met all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements” for this suborbital test flight, marking the fifth test of the Starship/Super Heavy system. The FAA also approved the Starship 6 mission profile, demonstrating their confidence in SpaceX’s overall launch program.
Mission Overview
The Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy rocket are part of a fully reusable system designed to carry crew and cargo to destinations including Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. For this fifth test flight, which will launch from Boca Chica, Texas, SpaceX aims to achieve two key milestones:
- Super Heavy Booster: The booster will return to the launch site for a “catch attempt” by the launch tower.
- Starship Vehicle: The Starship itself is expected to make a water landing in the Indian Ocean west of Australia.
In an interesting caveat, the FAA noted that if SpaceX opts for an uncontrolled entry of the Starship vehicle, it must notify the FAA in advance. In this scenario, the vehicle’s loss will be considered a planned event and will not require a mishap investigation.
SpaceX and FAA Tensions
The approval comes amid heightened tensions between SpaceX and the FAA, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk previously expressing frustration over delays in licensing for the Starship 5 flight. Musk has been critical of the FAA’s regulatory processes, even calling for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker and threatening legal action against the agency. Earlier in the year, the FAA proposed a $633,000 fine against SpaceX for other launch-related issues, further complicating the relationship between the two entities.
In a related development, on Friday, the FAA also approved the return to flight of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 vehicle after reviewing SpaceX’s internal investigation into a mishap that occurred on September 28.
This accelerated approval for Starship 5 marks a significant moment for SpaceX as it pushes forward with ambitious plans to establish a sustainable spacefaring system. The success of the upcoming test flight will be pivotal for future missions, including those aiming to reach the Moon and Mars.