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The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday issued SpaceX a long-awaited Vehicle Operator License for the first orbital flight of a Starship prototype, clearing the way for a launch next week from Boca Chica/Starbase.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk indicated earlier this week that the combined Starship-Super Heavy booster was fully ready to launch and only awaiting FAA approval.
“After a comprehensive license evaluation process, the FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, airspace integration and financial responsibility requirements,” said the agency in a statement late Friday. “The license is valid for five years. The FAA is responsible for protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations. We carefully analyzed the public safety risks during every stage of the mission and required SpaceX to mitigate those risks.”
The agency said it would also implement airspace integration measures to reduce the impact of the launch on commercial airline flights and other users of airspace.
Also, the FAA said it will use key mission “triggers,” such as loading of rocket fuel and the “final disposition” (landing in the Gulf) of the Super Heavy booster rocket “to pinpoint when to close and reopen airspace.”
“For the first time, the FAA will implement time-based procedures for a launch from Boca Chica,” the agency said. “This will identify and reroute only the aircraft directly affected by the closed airspace allowing more aircraft to stay on their most optimal and efficient routes. It has previously only been used for launches from the Florida space coast.”
The FAA said Starship and Super Heavy both will transmit telemetry data to the agency via the “Space Data Integrator” tool.
“Data such as position, altitude, speed and any deviation from its expected flight path will provide the FAA situational awareness, and in combination with other information, help to reopen airspace quicker,” the agency said.
Cameron County has announced possible closures of Boca Chica Beach and S.H. 4 near SpaceX for April 17 from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m., with April 18-19 as alternate dates, also from the hours of 12 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last month, Musk estimated the chances for a successful first orbital flight at “greater than 50 percent.”
“I’m not saying it’ll get to orbit, but I am guaranteeing excitement,” he said. “It won’t be boring.”
Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said the city was excited to get the news from the FAA, calling it “history in the making.”
SpaceX’s website says the company may happen as soon as April, with the 150-minute test window opening at 7 p.m. A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 45 minutes before liftoff and can be viewed at SpaceX.com, according to the company.
The launch will take place approximately two hours after SpaceX’s flight director gives the green light to loading the integrated Starship-Super Heavy with propellant, according to the website.
“As is the case with all developmental testing, this schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for updates,” the company said. “As we venture into new territory, we continue to appreciate all of the support and encouragement we have received from those who share our vision of a future where humanity is out exploring among the stars!”
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include additional information about the timing of the launch.
