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, enabling multiple test missions for its Starship spacecraft, including the upcoming Flight 7, after previous delays.
The Flight 7 mission will involve Starship flying globally for an Indian Ocean splashdown and a critical attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using the "Mechazilla" system.
The FAA has added new "test induced damage exceptions" for Flight 7, allowing specific component failures without triggering a mishap investigation, which aims to further accelerate the Starship test program towards NASA's Artemis III lunar landing goals.

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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.