SpaceX’s Starship Set for Ninth Flight Test Following FAA Approval
FAA Greenlights Starship for Return to Flight
In a significant development for space exploration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted SpaceX approval to resume flights of its Starship rocket. This decision follows an extensive review of the previous flight, which concluded in an explosion shortly after launch. The next test flight is anticipated to take place as early as Tuesday, May 27, 2023.
Upcoming Launch Details
SpaceX aims to initiate the ninth flight test of Starship during a launch window that opens at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM local time at the Texas Starbase). This upcoming test is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first instance of SpaceX reusing a Super Heavy booster. The booster slated for flight nine previously supported Starship’s seventh test earlier this year.
While various single-use components have been replaced, SpaceX has confirmed the reuse of 29 out of the 33 Raptor engines from the booster, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and cost reduction in space launches.
Live-Stream Accessibility
For space enthusiasts and the general public, a livestream of the launch will be available approximately 30 minutes prior to liftoff. Viewers can tune in through SpaceX’s official website or follow the broadcast via the company’s profile on X (formerly Twitter).
Review of Previous Flight Challenges
The eighth flight test of Starship took place in March and encountered several critical issues shortly after launch. Although the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch site and was captured by the tower’s "chopstick" arms, the upper stage malfunctioned. A number of Raptor engines shut down unexpectedly, leading to a tumbling motion that ultimately resulted in the vehicle’s self-destruction.
SpaceX attributed the failure to "a hardware malfunction in one of the upper stage’s center Raptor engines," which caused unintentional propellant mixing and subsequent ignition. To address this, SpaceX has implemented several modifications aimed at preventing similar failures in future flights.
Anticipated Innovations and Objectives
In an update released on May 22, SpaceX outlined enhancements for the Starship’s upper stage, including additional preload on crucial joints, a new nitrogen purge system, and improvements to the propellant drainage system.
For the upcoming flight, the Super Heavy booster will not attempt to return to the launch site but will instead splash down in the ocean. Meanwhile, the Starship upper stage is set to deploy eight dummy Starlink satellites, alongside executing several experiments intended to ensure the viability of the upper stage for landing back at the launch location in future missions.
As SpaceX moves forward with its ambitious plans, the upcoming flight test represents a critical step in the ongoing development of its Starship program and the broader goals associated with space exploration.
