Federal Aviation Administration Approves SpaceX’s Next Three Starship Test Flights In South Texas

Featured Image Source: LabPadre via YouTube & Twitter 

SpaceX is rapidly developing Starship, its next generation launch vehicle in South Texas where four prototypes of the spacecraft have performed high-altitude flight tests above Boca Chica Beach. Each flight requires authorization by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which monitors air traffic to ensure everyone’s safety. All prototypes that conducted high-altitude flights exploded upon landing and the FAA investigated the issue and assessed whether the explosions posed any threat to the public. The launch pad is less than five-miles away from a small village that is evacuated ahead of every flight.

SpaceX is preparing to launch the Starship SN15 prototype, the test could take place later this week. According to Cameron County Boca Chica Beach road closures, SpaceX could potentially launch SN15 as soon as Friday, April 30, during a timeframe scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT. However, this date could change, pending confirmation from SpaceX. An FAA inspector must be present during flight tests. “The FAA safety inspector is expected to arrive on site on April 29 to support a possible launch this week," the Administration shared. They announced today SpaceX’s next three Starship test flights are approved. “The FAA has authorized the next three launches of the SpaceX Starship prototype. The agency approved multiple launches because SpaceX is making few changes to the launch vehicle and relied on the FAA's approved methodology to calculate the risk to the public,” the Administration stated, “The FAA authorized the launches on Wednesday, April 28. Prior to the launch of SN15, the FAA will verify that SpaceX implemented corrective actions arising from the SN11 mishap investigation. For the launch of SN16 and SN17, SpaceX may be subject to additional corrective actions if any new mishap investigations were to occur,” the FAA wrote. The next prototypes in line SN16 and SN17 are already under assembly, as well as the first rocket booster that will be required to propel a Starship to orbit. Having approval for the next three flights enables the company to speed up the spacecraft’s development. SpaceX founder Elon Musk aims to test launch the first Starship to space by Summer this year.

NEW: The FAA has authorized the next THREE SpaceX Starship launches, SN15-17: “Prior to the launch of SN15, the FAA will verify that SpaceX implemented corrective actions arising from the SN11 mishap investigation.” 1/2

— Christian Davenport (@wapodavenport) April 29, 2021

Musk said Starship SN15 features ‘hundreds of design improvements’ meant to address issues the previous test vehicles faced. We will soon see if SN15 will ace the landing without exploding this time around. Engineers have been conducting pre-flight tests and checkouts for the past couple of weeks. They already performed a cryogenic proof test meant to ensure the stainless-steel vehicles is capable of enduring the pressure it will experience during flight. Most recently, engineers conducted two back-to-back static-fire tests of SN15’s three Raptor engines. During the static ignition, the vehicle remained grounded to a test stand as the engines were ignited for a few seconds to assess their performance. This pre-flight preparation is typically the final one ahead of liftoff. This article will be updated as soon as SpaceX confirms a launch date. You can watch SpaceX prepare Starship SN15 at the Boca Chica launch pad Live in the video below, courtesy of LabPadre via YouTube.

Featured Image Source: LabPadre via YouTube & Twitter