The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a launch license for SpaceX’s Starship 5, allowing for a potential launch as early as Sunday, October 13, 2024. This approval comes earlier than expected, as the FAA had previously indicated that a decision would not be made until late November.
The FAA announced on Saturday that SpaceX has successfully met all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements for this suborbital test flight. This marks the fifth test of the Starship program and includes an ambitious plan to return the lower-stage booster to land at the launch site in Boca Chica, Texas.
The launch window opens at 7 a.m. CDT, with a live webcast available on the SpaceX website approximately 30 minutes prior to liftoff. The mission is expected to showcase SpaceX’s capability to catch the Super Heavy booster shortly after its separation from the Starship.
The rapid approval follows months of delays due to safety and environmental reviews. The FAA had previously fined SpaceX $785,000 for safety and environmental violations at its Texas and Florida operations, which contributed to the extended review process.
The FAA’s earlier timeline suggested that substantial regulatory hurdles remained before a launch could occur. However, recent developments indicate that inter-agency reviews have progressed more swiftly than anticipated.
For the first time, SpaceX plans to attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster at the launch site, a maneuver that necessitated extensive review and preparation.
Following previous flights, enhancements have been made to Starship’s heat shield and other systems to improve performance during re-entry and landing attempts.
Despite the approval, tensions between SpaceX and regulatory bodies persist. CEO Elon Musk has publicly criticized the FAA for its oversight processes, describing them as slow and burdensome. The company has also faced scrutiny from environmental groups regarding its operations at Boca Chica.
The FAA had cited potential sonic booms and environmental impacts as reasons for prolonged approval timelines. Recent filings by SpaceX have addressed these concerns by detailing how their operations will minimize environmental impacts.
