In an FCC filing late last week, SpaceX has listed February 24th as the earliest that the agency can launch Starship’s next flight. This filing is for launch communications between the Starship/booster and launch facilities back at Starbase. The filing is good for six months.
This notice comes only a few weeks after flight 7, which resulted in an explosion of Starship as a result of an internal propellant leak. Several flights throughout the debris zone had to be diverted or put on hold for safety following the launch. Many tourists and residents alike captured video of Starship debris falling from the sky throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This FCC filing is in no way an approval to launch. The FAA is still required to investigate the accident and issue a new launch license before another Starship can leave Boca Chica. With flight 7’s explosion bringing flight disruptions and some negative news coverage, it is possible that may take some time.
The detonation during flight 7 hasn’t stopped SpaceX from preparing for their next mission from Texas. SpaceX is planning to potentially static fire Ship 34, which will be used for flight 8, later this week at Starbase. The formal flight plan for the mission has yet to be released, but CEO Elon Musk has previously shared what will be improved upon.
