Elon Musk is revving up SpaceX for another shot at launching its Starship rocket. Musk mentioned that they’re on track to snag the green light for the launch pretty soon, aiming for a Friday liftoff.
Clearance on the Horizon
Musk spilled the beans on social media, saying they’re expecting the federal thumbs-up just in time for a launch by the end of the week. This clearance is the final tick on their checklist before giving the Starship another go.
Waiting Game for the Nod
Although Musk didn’t drop who gave him the heads-up about the approval, SpaceX stayed mum when CNBC reached out for more details.
FAA and the Regulatory Scene
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had its say on Musk’s social media buzz, pointing to SpaceX for any details about Elon’s posts. They’ve been in the loop, working on a safety review for SpaceX’s Starship license. But the environmental check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was still underway last month when the safety review wrapped up.
FWS’s Standpoint
The FWS, according to an auto-reply, seemed to have some reps out on a staff retreat until Thursday, possibly causing a delay in their response about the whole situation.
License Required for Liftoff
For SpaceX to take another shot at launching Starship into space, they need the FAA’s launch license. Remember the first attempt in April? That one had some epic milestones but ended in a fiery explosion, causing quite a ruckus and prompting a thorough regulatory review.
Targeting the Skies
SpaceX hinted last week that they were prepping for the second flight of their massive 400-foot-tall rocket, eyeing a launch as early as November 17. But they were pretty clear that this date was a “pending final regulatory approval” kind of situation.
Next Steps for SpaceX
With the gears turning and regulatory nods hopefully coming through, SpaceX is gearing up for a second shot at getting Starship soaring high. It’s a big deal for them after the bumpy ride during their first attempt, and they’re crossing their fingers for a smoother liftoff this time around.
