FAA clears SpaceX Starship's Flight 9 after Flight 8 explosion review
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted SpaceX approval to proceed with the ninth launch of its massive Starship rocket, following an extensive review of the explosive anomaly that occurred during its previous flight. On 22 May, the FAA confirmed that SpaceX had adequately addressed the issues from Flight 8, which ended in the destruction of the Starship's upper stage over the Atlantic Ocean in March. With corrective actions in place, SpaceX now has the green light to continue testing the world's most powerful and fully reusable rocket system.
What are increased safety measures for SpaceX Flight 9
As part of the authorisation, the FAA expanded the designated Aircraft Hazard Area (AHA) for Flight 9 to approximately 1,600 nautical miles. This zone now stretches eastward from the Texas launch site through the Straits of Florida and includes The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. For comparison, the AHA for Flight 8 covered around 885 nautical miles.
To minimise disruption to both domestic and international air traffic, the FAA stipulated that the upcoming launch must take place during non-peak transit hours. This requirement reflects the growing scale and complexity of Starship test operations.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed!
IC Markets
Start Now
Undo
Flight 8 failure and investigation
The mishap on 6 March involved the upper stage of the Starship, simply known as 'Ship,' which exploded less than 10 minutes after lift-off. Debris from the 52-metre-tall vehicle fell into the Atlantic Ocean, impacting areas including The Bahamas. The rocket's first stage booster, Super Heavy, successfully returned to SpaceX's Starbase site in Texas, where it was caught by the tower's mechanical 'chopstick' arms—a repeat of its performance during Flight 7.
Following the incident, the FAA launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the explosion, ultimately determining that the company had implemented satisfactory corrective measures. Only after this process did the agency grant authorisation for another test flight.
Reusing key components
A significant milestone for Flight 9 is the planned reuse of the same Super Heavy booster that flew on Flight 7. SpaceX has long promoted the idea of full reusability as key to reducing the cost of space travel and achieving future goals such as moon bases and Mars colonisation. By successfully recovering and preparing this booster for another launch, the company aims to demonstrate a crucial capability in its broader Starship programme.
Launch date of Flight 9 and future goals
Although SpaceX has not officially announced a launch date for Flight 9, notices related to airspace closures suggest that Tuesday, 27 May, could be a potential window. When fully stacked, Starship and Super Heavy measure over 122 metres tall, making it the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed. Both stages are designed for rapid reuse, and successful testing is considered a major step toward operational flights that could support NASA's Artemis missions and commercial ventures.
Flight 9 represents more than just a continuation of Starship's development—it is a critical demonstration of SpaceX's ability to learn from failures and iterate quickly. With FAA approval now in place, attention turns to whether the ninth flight will finally bring both the Super Heavy and Ship components back safely, setting the stage for a new era in space launch capabilities.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Ancient Andhra inscriptions found in Germany, Kadapa forest
1 2 Hyderabad: Two rare inscriptions linked to Andhra Pradesh's ancient history have surfaced—one in Munich, Germany, and the other in the Lankamalla forest of Kadapa district. These finds shed light on the cultural and administrative legacy of dynasties like the Eastern Chalukyas, Maitrakas, and Bhanjas. A copperplate charter from the Eluru–Pithapuram region, dating to the 9th–10th century CE, is currently in the Bavarian State Library. Written in Sanskrit using Telugu script, the corroded inscription likely records a village grant by an Eastern Chalukya king, with names like Vikramaditya and Mangi Yuvaraja faintly visible. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is now documenting Indian-origin copperplates housed abroad, with repatriation efforts already underway for the Leiden charters. The Munich collection also includes Maitraka and Bhanja plates. Shell script inscriptions In a separate discovery, three 6th-century CE inscriptions carved on stone were found in Lankamalla forest. Written in Sanskrit and Shell script, they are believed to mark pilgrim visits. Phrases such as Bhagate Radhiya and Dharadhisha Bhagavata appear in the text. Shell script remains largely undeciphered despite attempts by noted epigraphists like BN Mukherjee and Richard Solomon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo This marks the first such find in Andhra Pradesh, expanding the known geographical spread of Shell inscriptions. "The discovery of Shell inscriptions in Lankamalla is noteworthy. Earlier, such inscriptions were found only in north India and the Deccan region. This marks the first instance of Shell inscriptions being discovered in the Lankamalla forest of Andhra Pradesh, expanding the geographical range of these ancient texts," ASI epigraphy director K Muniratnam Reddy said. ASI's epigraphy wing has called for more data to trace and preserve such artefacts globally.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
MSU researchers identify genes to produce seedless tomatoes
Vadodara: In a breakthrough, researchers at M S University have identified key genes that can be used to produce seedless fruits and enhance the shelf life of tomatoes. Researchers at the Department of Botany of MSU's Faculty of Science succeeded in producing seedless tomatoes by silencing one of the genes. Interestingly, these genes also help plants overcome heat and drought stress, paving the way for more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change. "We studied the roles of the caspase-like genes in tomatoes," said professor Sunil Singh, who led the team of researchers for the project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board. "We found that some of these genes play crucial roles in controlling both vegetative and reproductive development in tomato plants. By silencing one of the genes, we were able to produce seedless tomatoes," he said. The researchers also found that in addition to making fruits seedless, these genes regulate the ageing of leaves. "Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age, making them very useful for improving existing crops and contributing to food sustainability," said Singh, whose team included researchers Dr Maitri Trivedi, Krishna Tandel, and Parthvi Joshi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "The study further revealed that these genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought. This means that more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering these genes, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change," he said, adding that the research opens up new possibilities for improving crops and yield. Researchers said that seedless fruits are highly desirable and are commonly found in crops like bananas, grapes, and oranges. In many plants, seedless fruits occur naturally and can also be produced using hormone treatments and crossbreeding processes. "However, these methods are time-consuming and largely ineffective due to complex breeding methods and lack of suitable parent plants. If caspase-like genes are harnessed to create seedless fruits, it will yield significant benefits for both the agriculture sector and the fruit industry," he said, adding that with an entire line of GM (genetically modified) tomatoes ready, the next step is to take it to the field. With the success that the researchers achieved in tomatoes, the team is now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation, and extending the shelf life of other leafy vegetables and fruits for more sustainable agriculture. "By utilising these genes as genetic tools, seedless varieties could potentially be developed in numerous other important vegetables and fruits," he said. Head: Big Breakthrough Modifying certain genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering genes After success with tomatoes, researchers are now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation and extending the shelf life of vegetables, fruits
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Shukla's ISS flight set to mark liftoff for India's space industry
'I carry not just technical equipment but the hopes and dreams of 1.7 billion Indians.' With these words, Shubhanshu Shukla, poised to become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station, has stirred a wave of national pride. As he readies for launch from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Nasa's) Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, his mission marks a return to government-sponsored human spaceflight for India after a hiatus of more than four decades — and a bold step into the country's spacefaring future. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is reportedly spending ₹550 crore on the mission. The resonance is unmistakable. More than forty years have passed since Rakesh Sharma's legendary journey aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984 — and his immortal reply when asked how India looked from space: 'Saare Jahaan Se Achcha'. Now, Shukla's flight, part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), is being cast as a generational handoff. If Sharma represented the dreams of a nascent India looking outward, Shukla embodies a confident India reaching for the controls, according to industry experts, who say Shukla's flight will be a stepping stone, signalling a larger role for the private sector in India's forthcoming human spaceflight programmes and space station plans. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, the Crew Dragon C213 capsule will carry Shukla into low Earth orbit. His participation is more than symbolic: At 39, he is one of the four astronauts shortlisted for India's maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, currently slated for late 2026 or early 2027. His role on Ax-4 is to pilot the Dragon spacecraft -- and to bring home crucial operational experience for the Gaganyaan programme. It was on February 27 last year that Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the names of the four astronauts who would carry India's spaceflight ambitions: Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Prathap, and Shukla. Of the four, Shukla is the first to make the leap — and he is clear-eyed about what it means. 'I will be conducting seven scientific experiments that could contribute significantly to our understanding of microgravity and pave the way for future space research. In many ways, I see myself as a bridge between Earth and space,' he told the media. Alongside the research gear, he is also carrying artefacts designed by the National Institute of Design — a nod to India's creative and technological confidence. While his mission is short compared to lifetime milestones, its significance is enduring. Gopichand Thotakura may have etched his name in history last year as India's first civilian astronaut, but Shukla's journey feels different — a measured stride toward a new frontier for Indian science, not just a visit. 'It is important to note that a private company (Elon Musk's SpaceX) is providing the means to go to the space station,' said A K Bhatt, director general of the Indian Space Association (ISpA). 'This experience is a stepping stone to what we want to achieve.' Firms like Larsen & Toubro, among others, are already playing a critical role in the Gaganyaan project, he noted. Bhatt sees a broader transformation underway. 'I see companies like L&T, Tata, and Anand excelling in the sector going ahead, and our startups are also going to play a major role.' The ambition is vast. From $8.4 billion in 2024, India's space economy is projected to soar to $44 billion by 2033, according to a March Ficci-EY report. If the trajectory holds, India's share of the global space market will quadruple: From 2 per cent to 8 per cent. But the sector will need a net investment of $22 billion to reach that target. A constellation of startups is already orbiting the dream. From Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace to Skyroot, Manastu, and Agnikul Cosmos -- each firm is carving out a niche, whether in propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or satellite design. Even legacy mapping companies like MapmyIndia are getting in on the action, providing geospatial solutions and navigation tech.
