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

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Key Takeaways:

SpaceX has received a modified FAA launch license for multiple test missions of its Starship spacecraft, including the upcoming Flight 7, aiming to accelerate its test program.
The Flight 7 mission profile will involve Starship landing in the Indian Ocean and a Super Heavy booster attempting a "Mechazilla" catch at the launch site in Texas.
The FAA has added new "test induced damage exceptions" for Flight 7, allowing specific component failures during in-space engine burns or post-booster catch without triggering an automatic mishap investigation.
These test flights are crucial for achieving Starship's full reusability, which is a key requirement for its role in NASA's Artemis III human lunar landing mission.

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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.