FAA: SpaceX requests launch during ongoing mishap investigation

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has made a request that would allow for another Starship launch while previous mishap investigations are still open.

The FAA is currently investigating the third Starship test flight, similarly to the investigations that were launched after the first two tests.

In a statement sent to ValleyCentral, the FAA stated that on April 5, SpaceX requested the FAA make a "public safety determination" as part of the Starship flight test mishap.

"If the FAA agrees no public safety issues were involved in the mishap, the operator may return to flight while the mishap investigation remains open, provided all other license requirements are met."

With this modification in place, SpaceX would be able to launch the fourth Starship test flight while the mishap investigation of the third flight is still open.

When these requests are received, the FAA evaluates safety-critical systems, the nature of the consequences of the mishap, adequacy of existing flight analysis, safety organization performance and environmental factors, the statement added.

The FAA stated it is reviewing the request and will be "guided by data and safety at every step of the process."

Starbase General Manager Kathy Lueders said at an event last week, that SpaceX is hoping to launch the fourth Starship out of South Texas after Memorial Day weekend.

On March 14, SpaceX launched its third test of the most powerful rocket on Earth from Boca Chica Beach. The rocket made it past stage separation and into Earth's orbit, before it was ultimately lost during re-entry.

“While our team reviews the data collected from this flight, Starship and Super Heavy vehicles are preparing for upcoming flights as we seek to increase our launch cadence throughout the year,” SpaceX stated.