SpaceX has received the green light from regulatory authorities to proceed with its second integrated Starship/Super Heavy launch, scheduled for the morning of November 17. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed on November 15 that it had issued an updated launch license, citing SpaceX's compliance with safety, environmental, policy, and financial responsibility requirements.
The key hurdle in obtaining the license was the completion of an environmental review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) concerning upgrades to the Starship launch pad at Boca Chica, Texas. Notably, the review focused on the addition of a water deluge system designed to minimize potential pad damage observed in the first Starship launch in April.
In an earlier statement, FWS stated that it had finalized its review and concluded formal consultation with the FAA. Despite an initial estimation of up to 135 days for the review, it was completed swiftly. The findings indicated no significant environmental changes resulting from the deluge system and other adjustments, affirming the validity of the original review's conditions and requirements.
SpaceX, which had initially announced plans for a launch no earlier than November 17, confirmed its schedule post the FAA announcement. The liftoff is set for a two-hour window opening at 8 a.m. Eastern. The mission, referred to as Orbital Flight Test 2 in the FAA license, will see the spacecraft splash down off the coast of Hawaii approximately 90 minutes after liftoff, assuming the flight proceeds as planned.
It's noteworthy that the first Starship launch deviated from its intended course, leading to the destruction of the vehicle by the flight termination system. Elon Musk, SpaceX's Chief Executive, revealed in June that the company had implemented “well over a thousand” changes based on lessons learned from the initial launch and other desired upgrades. Musk estimated a 60% chance of a successful flight for the upcoming launch.
