SpaceX continues to fine-tune the details of Starship, the rocket that will theoretically carry the first manned mission to Mars. Previous tests have ended catastrophically with explosions recorded in the air, landing or during takeoff. Now, in search of a new test, Elon Musk’s company It needs permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be able to execute.
On Friday a document from the FAAin which they pointed out some 63 errors on the part of SpaceX to modify before allowing a new test. However, Elon Musk himself responds through his count of that the engineers and astrophysicists in charge of the mission completed the requirements to start the engines.
“Congratulations to SpaceX for completing and documenting the 57 elements required by the FAA for Starship Flight 2!” says the magnate in a social media post. The number seems insufficient to document what US security agencies demand.
Therefore, Musk himself clarifies in his X message: “It should be noted that 6 of the 63 items refer to subsequent flights.”
Congratulations to SpaceX for completing & documented the 57 items required by the FAA for Flight 2 of Starship!
Worth noting that 6 of the 63 items refer to later flights. pic.twitter.com/YlPg3ywCZE
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 10, 2023
So, with this it should be clear that the authorization is in place and only details remain to have a new test of the ultra-heavy and reusable rocket, which space programs will use for trips to the Moon and, if possible, to Mars.
A race against time
In just 138 days (less than 5 months) they assembled the new rocket and everything is ready to schedule a new test takeoff. And finally, wait for a test to be carried out on a ship that passes the atmosphere and returns intact to its base vertically.
“Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval,” said Elon Musk on his X account (formerly Twitter) in reference to the permission that must be granted by the Federal Aviation Administration.