SpaceX's Starship grounded until November

The grounded decision might affect the plans of SpaceX regarding lunar and Mars missions
A representational image displaying a rocket launch at SpaceX. — Unsplash
A representational image displaying a rocket launch at SpaceX. — Unsplash

SpaceX's Starship, one the largest and one of the most powerful rockets ever built, has been making abuzz with its impressive test flights. However, its next launch, Flight 5 has been grounded until late November, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

FAA's safety requirements

SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 must satisfy all the strict safety, environment, and licensing requirements of the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) before allowing another launch.

Because the configuration and mission profile differed between Flight 5 and previous flights, a more thorough review is required.

Delayed launch

A mix of review processes at FAA and new information submitted by SpaceX in mid-August delayed the launch. The new set of information showed a larger area of the environmental impact of Flight 5 was obtained, thereby requiring consultations with other agencies.

The good news is this delay will keep SpaceX's Starship on the ground for at least 2.5 months, which makes SpaceX's very ambitious test flight schedule more reasonable.

However, safety should always be the top priority, especially with a revolutionary rocket like Starship.

This might affect the plans of SpaceX regarding lunar and Mars missions, which had depended upon Starship's successful testing.

However, SpaceX will continue to work with the FAA in pursuit of the safe and successful subordination of Starship.