The FAA has proposed new regulations requiring commercial launch providers with licenses to dispose of upper stages from their launches in order to mitigate the growth of orbital debris. Companies would have to choose from five options for upper stage disposal, including placing it into a graveyard orbit or contracting with a third party. The proposed rule also limits the amount of debris released during normal operations and sets a one in a thousand threshold for collision risk. The FAA stated that the regulation was motivated by the growth of orbital debris. SpaceX recently surprised parade-goers in McGregor by displaying its Starship Raptor vacuum engine at an annual event.
1. SpaceX removed the hot staging ring from booster 9 at the Starbase.
2. The reason for removing the ring is unknown, but it may be for access to the top of the booster for communication cable connection.
3. SpaceX conducted intentionally explosive tests on test vehicles at Boca Chica to refine the designs for the stainless steel Starship.
4. Starship needs to withstand a pressure of around 6 bar to 8.5 for safe flights, and SpaceX tests the stainless steel strength subjected to stressors similar to those in flight.
5. SpaceX participated in the McGregor Founders Day Parade, showcasing the Raptor vacuum engine, a crucial component for returning NASA astronauts to the moon and sending humans to Mars.
6. The FAA proposed new regulations requiring commercial launch providers to dispose of upper stages for mitigating the growth of orbital debris.
7. The proposed regulations allow companies to select one of five approaches for removing upper stages from congested orbits on future launches.