SpaceX’s Starship: FAA May Approve the Launch License Soon

According to a source familiar with the matter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) might approve a license for the launch of SpaceX’s Starship 5 as soon as this month.

Previously, the FAA indicated it did not anticipate making a decision on the license until late November. However, SpaceX announced on social media late Monday that the fifth flight test of Starship could take place as soon as October 13, pending regulatory approval.

While the FAA reiterated its expectation for a late November decision, it stated on Tuesday that it is still reviewing the proposed mission and will make a determination “once SpaceX has met all licensing requirements,” without referencing the November timeline.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has been vocal in his criticism of the FAA, particularly regarding a proposed $633,000 fine related to launch issues and the delays in approving the license for Starship 5, which SpaceX claims has been ready for launch since August. Musk has called for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker and has threatened legal action against the agency.

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Last month, SpaceX suggested that the delay in FAA approval was due to “superfluous environmental analysis.” During a congressional hearing last month, Whitaker addressed questions about the delay, stating that SpaceX had not completed a timely sonic boom analysis for the Starship 5 launch.

He explained, “The delay of the Starship (launch) was due to SpaceX filing an application and not disclosing that they were in violation of Texas and federal law on some matters, which is a requirement to obtain a permit.”

In an email invitation to VIP guests obtained by Reuters, SpaceX stated it is aiming for a launch on Sunday, noting that “as with any test, there is a chance we don’t launch on the first attempt.”

On Sunday, the FAA indicated that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket could return to flight for a mission on Monday involving the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft from Florida

On September 30, the FAA mandated that SpaceX investigate the malfunction of the second stage of its Falcon 9 rocket following a NASA astronaut mission, which has now grounded the launch vehicle for the third time in three months.