SpaceX's Starship Cleared for Second Takeoff After Obtaining Modified Launch License from FAA

Musk’s previous predictions haven’t come to fruition, but this time, a fresh launch license backs the SpaceX CEO’s timeline.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 02:07 PM ET

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SpaceX’s Starship upper stage and Super Heavy booster sit stacked on the launch pad ahead of April’s maiden voyage. [Courtesy: SpaceX]

Key Takeaways:

SpaceX's Starship has received FAA approval for its second orbital test flight, scheduled for Friday with Saturday and Sunday as backup dates.
The FAA granted the modified license after completing both safety and environmental reviews, which included the approval of a new water deluge system installed at the launchpad to prevent damage.
The success of this Starship flight is crucial for SpaceX's contract with NASA for the Artemis moon landing missions, which are already facing potential delays, and its long-term goals of colonizing Mars.

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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has not enjoyed a great track record when it comes to predicting the second orbital test flight of Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built. But Musk’s assertion this week—that the 400-foot-tall Starship upper stage and Super Heavy booster could fly again as soon as Friday—looks like it could come true.

“Was just informed that approval to launch should happen in time for a Friday launch,” Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter.