SpaceX is nearing regulatory approval for its next Starship test flight, Flight 9, following the failures of the previous two launches. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updated its launch license on May 15, incorporating an environmental assessment permitting up to 25 launches annually from SpaceX's Starbase facility in south Texas—a fivefold increase from the previous limit.
However, the FAA emphasized that this license update doesn't automatically authorize the launch. “SpaceX may not launch until the FAA either closes the Starship Flight 8 mishap investigation or makes a return to flight determination,” the agency stated. The FAA is currently reviewing the mishap report submitted by SpaceX on May 14.
Flight 8, in March, experienced an "energetic event" in the Starship upper stage, leading to engine shutdowns and loss of attitude control. SpaceX attributed this to a “harmonic response several times stronger in flight than had been seen during testing,” resulting in propellant leaks and fires. The FAA accepted these findings on March 31.
SpaceX is preparing for Flight 9, including a static-fire test of the Starship upper stage on May 13. A launch is potentially scheduled for May 22, subject to FAA approval. Elon Musk announced a company talk detailing SpaceX's Mars plans, to be streamed online.
Concerns regarding debris from previous failures prompted action from the UK government. Stephen Doughty, the UK minister responsible for overseas territories including the Turks and Caicos, contacted the U.S. State Department to address airspace closures and risks to the islands. Consequently, the FAA's updated environmental assessment for Flight 9 expanded the aircraft hazard area (AHA) to include the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, impacting over 175 flights, many facing delays averaging 40 minutes to avoid the hazard zone. The launch is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern to minimize disruption, and Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos will close during the launch window.