FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again

FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again

March 15, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship IFT-3 ,surrounded by hot plasma during reentry just prior to loss of communications on March 14, 2024 Screenshot: SpaceX
Starship IFT-3 ,surrounded by hot plasma during reentry just prior to loss of communications on March 14, 2024 Screenshot: SpaceX

It probably will come as no surprise to anyone that SpaceX’s Starship program is once again grounded pending another mishap investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it has initiated its third mishap investigation into the Starship program following an anomaly during its latest orbital test flight, IFT-3, on March 14, 2024. This inquiry marks yet another pause in the testing of the huge rocket, which reigns as the largest and most powerful rocket in history.

Despite Vehicle Loss, IFT-3 Checked A Lot Of Boxes for SpaceX

Despite Vehicle Loss, IFT-3 Checked A Lot Of Boxes for SpaceX

March 14, 2024Posted inSpace News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship OFT Launches From Boca Chica on March 14, 2202
Starship OFT 3 launches on March 14, 2024. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

SpaceX successfully launched the third Integrated Flight Test (IFT) of a Starship this morning from the company’s Starbase test facility in Boca Chica, TX. With the launch, IFT-3 became the first Starship mission to reach orbit. Hopes ran high for the test mission as the countdown to the 8:25 AM CDT launch proceeded flawlessly with no holds.

SpaceX’s Starship Launch Culminates in Unexpected RUD: An Onsite Report from Boca Chica

November 19, 2023Posted inAviation and Space News, Space News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship Launch
Starship OFT-2 leaps from the pad in a picture-perfect launch. Photo: Chris Leymarie/FMN

In an event that captivated space enthusiasts worldwide, SpaceX’s latest Starship vehicle, hailed as the most powerful rocket ever manufactured, encountered an unexpected conclusion in its test flight early this morning. The day began with an air of excitement and anticipation as crowds gathered at Boca Chica, Texas, with the closure of Boca Chica Blvd. at midnight.

SpaceX’s Starship Had a Spectacular Liftoff, But Then …

November 18, 2023Posted inAviation and Space News, Space News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship launches
Starship OFT -2 Launces from Space X’s Starbase in Boca Chica, TX at 7:02 AM This morning. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

SpaceX’s new Starship Superheavy launch vehicle experienced it’s second Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly (RUD) in as many test flights Saturday morning. (That’s space geek talk for “it blew up”).

BREAKING NEWS: SpaceX Given a “Go” by the FAA For Friday Morning Starship Launch Attempt

November 15, 2023Posted inAviation and Space News, Space News, SpaceX, Starship
Starship on the pad
Starship 25 sits on the pad at Starbase, Boca Chica, TX awaiting its test flight, scheduled for Friday, November 17th. Photo by : Richard Gallagher/FMN

The FAA announced on Twitter at 4:15 ET today that it has granted a launch license to SpaceX for the second orbital launch attempt of the Starship SuperHeavy rocket.