SpaceX’s Starship IFT-3 Launch Approval Expected from FAA in February
SpaceX’s Starship program is making headlines once again as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to grant approval for the third test flight of the Starship system, known as IFT-3, in mid-February. This news comes as SpaceX continues to make significant progress in its mission to revolutionize astronautics.
The Starship rocket is a remarkable feat of engineering, standing just a few feet shy of four hundred. It is composed of two rockets that can take off independently. Previous test flights have focused on the full stack, utilizing the power of the 232-foot-tall Starship Super Heavy booster. However, the initial flight tests also saw the smaller second stage successfully lift off and land vertically.
The upcoming IFT-3 launch is expected to take place in Texas, following the successful IFT-2 test conducted in November 2023. The fact that the previous test did not damage the launch pad, known as Starship Stage 0, has expedited the timeline for IFT-3.
The FAA’s approval for the Starship launch license is part of a busy month for spaceflight missions in the United States, both crewed and uncrewed. This highlights the growing interest and investment in space exploration and commercial space travel.
In addition to the FAA approval, there have been reports suggesting that the Pentagon is considering using Starship for its missions. SpaceX has designed Starship to have the capability to function like a commercial airliner, potentially ferrying passengers on Earth in the future.
The scale of Starship is unmatched by any other operational or development rocket, which has led to it winning a contract to launch Airbus’s space station to space in a single launch. This further solidifies Starship’s position as a game-changer in the aerospace industry.
Regular testing is crucial for SpaceX to fulfill its multi-billion dollar commitments to NASA. The upcoming 2024 Starship test campaign will focus on handling cryogenic fuel while in space, a significant milestone in the program’s progress.
The FAA’s expected approval for the IFT-3 launch license aligns with SpaceX’s timeline, as mentioned by company officials. SpaceX has been making changes to the launch pad and site in Texas to ensure the success of future tests.
The first attempt at a Starship test occurred almost a year ago, in April 2023. Despite encountering engine failures along the way, the rocket successfully cleared the launch pad and reached the point of stage separation. However, it lost orientation during separation and was destroyed while tumbling through the air.
Since then, SpaceX has made necessary upgrades to the launch pad due to damage caused by a lack of a water deluge system. The company also updated its clearance from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The IFT-2 test in November showed significant progress, with both the second stage and first stage performing as intended.
For SpaceX to proceed with its test campaign, the second stage must reach orbit. The successful tower capture and multiple test flights of the first stage booster will pave the way for operational flights that are crucial for Starlink and NASA missions.
As we eagerly await the FAA’s approval for the Starship IFT-3 launch license, it is clear that SpaceX’s ambitious goals and groundbreaking technology are propelling us into a new era of space exploration. The future of astronautics is taking shape, and Starship is at the forefront of this exciting journey.