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 of its Starship spacecraft, including the upcoming Flight 7.
The Flight 7 mission will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster at Starbase upon its return, a critical step for achieving Starship's rapid reusability goals essential for NASA's Artemis III lunar landing.
The FAA introduced new "test induced damage exceptions" for Flight 7, allowing specific component failures (e.g., Raptor engines, Super Heavy post-catch) without triggering a mishap investigation, aiming to expedite the test program.

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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.