SpaceX Cleared for Eighth Starship Launch, But Accident Investigation Not Closed

A representative of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the regulator has given SpaceX permission for another test flight of the Starship rocket complex. At the same time, the investigation into the previous emergency launch is not closed. The FAA still has questions for the company about the spectacular end of the previous test with a rain of fire from the ship’s debris. However, now the new test date is known for sure.

Image source: SpaceX

According to the regulator, the launch of the SpaceX Starship launch vehicle will take place on March 3 at 18:30 local time (March 4 at 02:30 Moscow time). The Super Heavy booster is supposed to launch a slightly modified version of the Starship with a simulated payload into space. An investigation into the previous launch accident showed that there was a leak in the ship’s fuel line, which led to an explosion a couple of minutes after the booster separated from the booster. The line was subsequently strengthened and ventilation of the engine compartment with forced nitrogen pressurization was provided.

The primary objectives for Starship’s eighth test launch remain the same: the capture of the Super Heavy return booster by the launch truss mechanisms and the delivery of the ship into space, followed by a soft landing in the ocean. The ship will carry mass-size simulators of Starlink satellites, which they will attempt to deploy in space – after which they will land together with the ship in the Indian Ocean.