FAA Approves SpaceX for More Starship Test Missions

Regulator issues a modified launch and reentry license that allows launching multiple flights under the vehicle’s Flight 7 configuration and mission profile.

Jack Daleo

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 04:32 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

Key Takeaways:

SpaceX has received a modified FAA Part 450 launch license, allowing multiple test missions of its Starship spacecraft, including the upcoming Flight 7.
The Flight 7 mission profile involves Starship flying to a water landing in the Indian Ocean and an attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster upon its return to the launch site.
The FAA has added new "test induced damage exceptions" for Flight 7, permitting certain component failures without triggering a mishap investigation, which will streamline testing.
Achieving full reusability through successful booster catches is crucial for Starship to meet high launch frequency goals and support NASA's Artemis III lunar landing mission.

See a mistake? Contact us.

SpaceX has the FAA’s green light to launch more test missions of its colossal Starship spacecraft, the largest and most powerful rocket to ever fly.

The aviation regulator this week issued SpaceX a modified Part 450 launch license, allowing the firm to conduct multiple missions of Starship and the Super Heavy booster under the configuration and mission profile they will use on their upcoming seventh test flight.