SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight, FAA says

The FAA says SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight after an explosion in April 2023.
The FAA is overseeing a mishap investigation and won't authorize another launch until SpaceX implements corrective actions.
The first Starship launch caused damage to ground infrastructure and sparked a fire in a state park.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed the rocket was ready to launch again but hasn't met FAA requirements.
Musk has disregarded FAA orders before, conducting a test launch in 2020 against agency directives.

cnbc.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/15/2023

Let the review begin—SpaceX takes another step toward launching Starship again

Main topic: The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing SpaceX's mishap investigation report on the April test flight of its Starship rocket. Key points: 1. SpaceX has completed its investigation into the test launch, which ended in engine failures and other problems. 2. The FAA's review is important for ensuring public safety during commercial launch operations. 3. Once the final mishap report is approved, SpaceX will be required to make corrective actions and modify its license before being authorized to launch again.

8/26/2023

Wildlife officials say SpaceX launch left behind significant damage

SpaceX's Starship launch, which resulted in an explosion, was a planned part of the company's milestone achievement, but it also left behind devastating destruction to the local environment, including burned acres and incinerated wildlife, according to a report by U.S. Wildlife officials.

9/6/2023

SpaceX stacks giant Starship rocket ahead of 2nd test flight (photos)

SpaceX's Starship rocket is ready for its second test flight pending regulatory approval, with the fully reusable vehicle eventually intended for various spaceflight missions.

9/8/2023

FAA Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Mishap, Requires Extensive Corrective Actions Before Next Launch

The FAA has closed its investigation into the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap and has listed 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must take before the next launch can occur.

9/8/2023

SpaceX Makes Safety Changes After Starship Explosion Damaged Launch Pad

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered SpaceX to make significant changes to its infrastructure and processes before being allowed to launch another rocket following the destruction of its launch pad in April.

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Fix Dozens of Issues Before Allowing More Starship Launches

The Federal Aviation Administration has completed its investigation into SpaceX's Starship rocket test launch in April, stating that the company must address multiple issues before launching again at Boca Chica in Texas.

9/10/2023

FAA Investigation Finds Flaws in SpaceX Starship, Requirements Could Delay Artemis Moon Plans

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its final report on SpaceX's Starship explosion, citing various contributing factors and recommending 63 actions to address flaws in the spacecraft's systems before it can resume flight testing, potentially causing delays in human-crewed space exploration and altering NASA's Artemis III mission.

Topics

Posted 9/7/2023, 3:41:00 AM

SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight, FAA says

The FAA says SpaceX is not yet cleared for another Starship Super Heavy test flight after an explosion in April 2023.
The FAA is overseeing a mishap investigation and won't authorize another launch until SpaceX implements corrective actions.
The first Starship launch caused damage to ground infrastructure and sparked a fire in a state park.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed the rocket was ready to launch again but hasn't met FAA requirements.
Musk has disregarded FAA orders before, conducting a test launch in 2020 against agency directives.

cnbc.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/15/2023

Let the review begin—SpaceX takes another step toward launching Starship again

8/26/2023

Wildlife officials say SpaceX launch left behind significant damage

9/6/2023

SpaceX stacks giant Starship rocket ahead of 2nd test flight (photos)

SpaceX's Starship rocket is ready for its second test flight pending regulatory approval, with the fully reusable vehicle eventually intended for various spaceflight missions.

9/8/2023

FAA Closes Investigation into SpaceX Starship Mishap, Requires Extensive Corrective Actions Before Next Launch

The FAA has closed its investigation into the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy mishap and has listed 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must take before the next launch can occur.

9/8/2023

SpaceX Makes Safety Changes After Starship Explosion Damaged Launch Pad

9/8/2023

FAA Requires SpaceX to Fix Dozens of Issues Before Allowing More Starship Launches

9/10/2023

FAA Investigation Finds Flaws in SpaceX Starship, Requirements Could Delay Artemis Moon Plans