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 flights of its Starship spacecraft, including the upcoming Flight 7, to accelerate its development program.
The Flight 7 mission will involve Starship flying globally and Super Heavy attempting a "Mechazilla" catch at the launch site, a crucial step for demonstrating the rocket's full reusability.
The FAA has added new "test induced damage exceptions" for Flight 7, streamlining the testing process by allowing specific component failures without triggering mishap investigations, vital for meeting 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.