After previous failures, the company expects to double the launch limit
SpaceX is actively preparing for the launch of the Starship spacecraft, which may take place in three weeks from Starbase in South Texas. In this regard, the company appealed to regulatory authorities with a requirement to increase the frequency of flights.
This week a press conference was held at which the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Commercial Space Launch — Kelvin Coleman — reported that the agency is collaborating with SpaceX to simplify the licensing process for Starship launches.
SpaceX plans to conduct at least nine launches this year, posing a major challenge for regulators in processing so many licenses. Coleman emphasized that the FAA is in constant contact with SpaceX, including around the clock, to develop the most effective ways to simplify the process. He also emphasized the agency's high interest in SpaceX and its readiness to continue cooperation with it.
SpaceX's five-year history in Texas began with the need to undergo an extensive environmental review before the launch and landing of the Starship spacecraft. In June 2022, the company passed the final programmatic environmental assessment process, allowing SpaceX to receive approval for five annual launches from South Texas. Due to the desire to increase the frequency of flights, the company is currently actively fighting to change the limit and obtain permission for an additional five launches.
However, the first attempt to launch Starship in April 2023 led to serious consequences. The largest rocket damaged the spaceport near Boca Chica beach and caused environmental problems. Coleman said the investigation and regulatory review process following the launch took about six months.
The second launch attempt in November of the same year turned out to be more successful — Although the Super Heavy launch vehicle was on its nominal flight, the upper stage separated from the launch vehicle before the accident and did not cause damage to the ground.
Founder and head of SpaceX — Elon Musk — announced plans to conduct a third attempt to launch Starship in early to mid-March. Coleman noted that from a regulatory point of view, such a launch schedule is «approximately correct».
Last October, SpaceX Vice President of Assembly and Flight Reliability Bill Gerstenmaier testified before Congress and said he wanted the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to give the FAA more resources for its license review processes.
With the growing number of U.S. launches and new companies looking to pursue space activities, the agency plans to license more than 150 launches and re-entries this year.
Coleman noted that since he joined the FAA in 1996, the organization's workforce has increased severalfold. If 25 years ago the organization employed 40 people, now their number is 143, and the company aims to increase the staff to 157 employees in the near future.