SpaceX complains with approval as the Starship slides

Faced with months of waiting for approval to launch the next Starship, SpaceX has moved aggressively on red tape surrounding operations and ongoing environmental testing.

According to SpaceX, the next Starship is ready to go from August. The company has taken a fast iterative approach and added more projects with each flight. For the fifth flight, SpaceX hopes to be able to “catch” the Super Heavy Booster on its way back to the launch pad.

However, SpaceX has also been the subject of complaints about its environmental record. The company said the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval ticket from September to November was down to what it called “bad faith” rather than genuine safety concerns.

It said the delay was not based on a new safety concern “but rather driven by an extreme environmental assessment.”

SpaceX has highlighted four open issues: Concerns surrounding alleged contamination from a metal water-cooling engine that it has stopped following damage to the platform after Starship’s launch, are concerned about space of the explosion of the Super Heavy Booster platform, the effect on wild animals. – like birds – with the company’s operation, and the sonic booms that will be due to the Super Heavy Booster returning to the starting point.

SpaceX insists that the issues stem from anything as simple as misunderstandings to complaints from “a small, but vocal, minority of people trying to game the regulatory system to hinder and slow development.” of the Starship.”

For example, in August, it was found that reports of water pollution from its rockets were based on a typo.

“We continue to adhere to the fact that it takes longer to process government documents to issue a license to launch a rocket than to design and build the actual equipment,” it said. “This should not happen and directly threatens America’s position as a leader in the region.”

SpaceX’s post came during a US Space & Aeronautics subcommittee hearing, where supporters complained about the licensing process.

An FAA spokesman said Registration that SpaceX’s existing license for the launch of Starship Flight 4 also allows multiple aircraft to use the same vehicle configuration and mission level. The rep added: “However, SpaceX has recommended changes for Starship Flight 5, which makes for an extensive testing process.

“In addition, in mid-August, SpaceX provided new information indicating that the environmental impact of Flight 5 will affect a larger area than previously assessed, it is necessary to consult with other organizations.”

“Prior to approval, SpaceX must comply with all safety, environmental and licensing requirements,” the spokesperson said. “A final decision on Starship Flight 5’s license is expected no sooner than the end of November 2024.”

A final decision on Starship Flight 5’s license is expected as early as late November 2024

The FAA must follow the rules, which may work in favor of SpaceX, as the company was allowed to start the Falcon 9 launch after accidents, but it may work against Elon Musk’s rockets.

We are sure that Musk will not hold this against the FAA if he finds himself the head of the “efficient government” by the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

One of the consequences of the ongoing delay in Starship’s launch is the delay in NASA’s anticipated Moon landing, which requires Starship to land humans on the lunar surface. At the time of writing, the launch of Artemis III, which will place a crew on the Moon, is scheduled to begin “before September 2026.” This seems overly optimistic.

The incriminating papers will ensure that the twisted truth field surrounding NASA’s Artemis program and SpaceX’s Starship promises can be kept alive for a long time. ®

Message: This article was updated on September 11 to include the FAA’s comments.