SpaceX violates launch license during Starship test, leading to FAA investigation
The SN9 prototype of the Starship spacecraft should have been tested already, but it is still on the launch pad. It turns out that SpaceX violated the terms of a license issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the first test of flight at high altitude, and the latter launched an official investigation. At least that’s what two informants told The Verge.
The December test launch of the SN8 prototype from SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas, was named success by Elon Musk. “Mars, we are coming !!” – wrote the executive director on Twitter immediately after the rocket exploded on an unsuccessful landing (the rocket completed the rest of the planned maneuvers of that mission successfully). However, the FAA, which oversees ground safety and issues licenses for private launches, was underwhelmed.
An investigation into the accident was launched last week, focusing not only on the explosion on landing but also on SpaceX’s refusal to adhere to FAA-sanctioned conditions. It is unclear exactly which part of the test flight violated the FAA license – a spokesman for the agency declined to speak to reporters about it.
“The FAA will continue to work with SpaceX to evaluate additional information provided by the company as part of its launch license change application, ” said FAA spokesman Steve Kulm. “ While we recognize the importance of rapid progress in driving growth and innovation in the commercial space industry, the FAA will not jeopardize its responsibility to protect public safety. We will only approve the changes after we are satisfied that SpaceX has taken the necessary steps to comply with regulatory requirements. “
Closer regulatory checks following the December incident played a role in delaying the SN9’s trials, which were due to take place last Thursday. The 50-meter ship, made of shiny steel alloy, is fueled and ready to fly. But at the time, the FAA was still in the process of verifying the test license due to several changes SpaceX made to the application.
Musk, frustrated by the FAA’s actions, decided to comment on Twitter. “Unlike its aviation division, which is normal, the FAA’s space division has fundamental problems with its regulatory structure,” he wrote. – Their rules are designed for several launches of disposable rockets per year from several government facilities. Adhering to such procedures, humanity will never get to Mars. “
The license breach (and the subsequent verification process) has exacerbated tensions between SpaceX and the FAA. For years, Elon Musk and others in the space industry have lamented the outdated US launch licensing regulatory framework as innovation and competition in space has exploded. In response, the US Department of Transportation, which delegates launch oversight responsibilities to the FAA, promulgated new simplified launch licensing rules last year. But they still haven’t come into force.
Hours before SN8 trials in December, while Elon Musk was in Boca Chica to obtain an FAA license that SpaceX ultimately violated, he was asked in an interview with The Wall Street Journal what role the government should play in regulating innovation. The billionaire replied, “In most cases, the best government can do is just not get in the way. “
There are now two Starship prototypes standing side by side at SpaceX launch sites. SN9 is expected to launch early next week.
