SpaceX's Starship launch may face further delays due to an ongoing review by the US Fish and Wildlife Services, which is needed to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The FAA is also conducting a safety review of SpaceX's corrective measures following a mishap investigation in April, with a conclusion expected in mid to late October. SpaceX recently completed the final step to enable its flights, including improvements to its flight termination system, a safety feature designed to destroy a rocket or spacecraft in the event of an emergency.
1. Ship 25 was fully stacked on booster 9.
2. SpaceX released a comprehensive assessment of corrective measures.
3. Starship's launch permit approval has been postponed until October.
4. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has requested a separate assessment for the program.
5. Starship's most anticipated flight may face new delays.
6. SpaceX is gearing up for the second ever liftoff of Starship.
7. SpaceX needs to secure necessary regulatory approvals, including a launch license from the FAA.
8. An expedited update of the license can be expected in October.
9. Environmental reviews of changes to launch site infrastructure are being carried out in conjunction with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
10. FAA needs to be happy with recently executed corrective actions.
11. The FAA is committed to ensuring all safety, environmental, and regulatory concerns are addressed before SpaceX is given clearance for another flight.
12. Starship has completed the final step to enable its flights, which is the flight termination system.
13. The flight termination system is a safety feature designed to destroy a rocket or spacecraft in flight in the event of an emergency.
14. SpaceX has enhanced and re-qualified the flight termination system to improve reliability.