FAA Clears SpaceX for Next Starship Launch After March Explosion

The Federal Aviation Administration has officially approved SpaceX’s next Starship flight, greenlighting the mega rocket for launch just two months after a dramatic in-flight failure.

The FAA’s decision, announced Thursday, follows an in-depth investigation into the March 6 incident, when Starship lost control and reentered over the Caribbean after a powerful engine failure. SpaceX has since made necessary adjustments to the vehicle, the agency confirmed.

While no launch date has been announced, the clearance means the rocket could lift off as early as next week.

Starship, which previously suffered failures in both January and March, experienced engine losses during both attempts. CEO Elon Musk said a fuel or oxygen leak likely caused the January failure, while the March mishap was blamed on an “energetic event” in the rocket’s upper stage that knocked out several Raptor engines.

As part of the new safety measures, the FAA has significantly expanded the aircraft hazard areas (AHAs) around the launch site, increasing the range from 885 to 1,600 nautical miles. The expansion reflects updated risk assessments and the fact that SpaceX plans to reuse a Super Heavy booster for the first time.

“The FAA conducted a comprehensive safety review of the SpaceX Starship Flight 8 mishap and determined that the company has satisfactorily addressed the causes,” the agency said in a statement.

The next flight will mark another critical test for SpaceX as it aims to advance Starship’s development for future deep-space missions.