SpaceX Receives Green Light for Mega-Rocket Test Flight Following Previous Mishap
SpaceX has received final approval from federal regulators to proceed with another test flight of its mega-rocket, after the previous launch ended in an explosion. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the necessary license on Wednesday, confirming that SpaceX has fulfilled safety, environmental, and other requirements for the upcoming launch.
The initial test flight of the Starship, which took off from South Texas in April, experienced a catastrophic failure just minutes after liftoff. However, SpaceX has made significant improvements to both the rocket itself and the launch pad in the aftermath of the explosive mishap. The rocket stands at an impressive height of nearly 400 feet (121 meters). Notably, the launch pad had suffered extensive damage, resulting in a large crater beneath it.
The current plan is to attempt the test flight on Friday morning within a two-hour launch window that opens at 7 a.m. SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s company has a $3 billion contract with NASA to land astronauts on the moon by 2025 using the Starship spacecraft.
Before granting final approval, the FAA conducted a safety review, which concluded a month ago. However, additional time was necessary to complete the environmental review. Although no injuries were reported during the previous failed launch, the environmental impact was significant. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that various debris, including concrete chunks and steel sheets, were launched thousands of feet from the pad. Additionally, a plume of pulverized concrete strewn material several miles away.
Notably, wildlife and environmental organizations filed a lawsuit against the FAA, arguing that the agency had failed to adequately consider the environmental consequences of the Starship program near Boca Chica Beach.
The upcoming test flight aims to last 1.5 hours and will fall short of a full orbit around Earth. The spacecraft will traverse the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans before ultimately landing near Hawaii. It’s important to mention that the flight will not carry any valuable cargo.
With all the necessary approvals in place, SpaceX is optimistic about a successful test launch and aims to continue its ambitious plans for space exploration and colonization.
