Latest news with #Starship9
UPI
22-05-2025
- Science
- UPI
SpaceX mega-rocket Starship 9 cleared for launch following earlier mission failures
The SpaceX Starship rocket launches on its sixth flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, in 2024. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the launch of SpaceX's Starship 9 after two mission mishaps idled the program for months. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo May 22 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the launch of SpaceX's Starship 9 after two mission mishaps idled the program for months. "The FAA conducted a comprehensive safety review of the SpaceX Starship Flight 8 mishap and determined that the company has satisfactorily addressed the causes of the mishap, and, therefore, the Starship vehicle can return to flight," the FAA said in a statement. The FAA said it took several factors into account when clearing the Starship for a return to space, including public safety, unplanned debris and the performance of the craft's "safety-critical" systems. It mandated that SpaceX have a $550 million insurance policy to cover a potential hazard area that stretches 1,600 miles from the Starbase, Texas, launch site through the Straits of Florida, including the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. The Starship 7 mission in January exploded minutes after launch, sending flaming debris raining into the Gulf of Mexico. The hazard zone for the upcoming launch is twice the size of the one created for the ill-fated Starship 8 mission in March. The FAA also required Starship 9 to be launched in "non-peak transit" hours. The Starship 8 mission failure stopped commercial air traffic in Florida when it went off course and spiraled out of control minutes after launch. Doubling the size of the hazard zone is partly the result of plans for Starship 9 to employ SpaceX's first-stage reusable fuel booster, known as Super Heavy, which is scheduled to return to the launch site. There it is designed to be captured with a pair of arms -- known as "chop sticks" -- and re-used in future missions. SpaceX has not announced a launch date, but scheduled airspace closures in the area suggest it could occur on May 27th, reported.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Elon Musk's SpaceX plans raise major red flags for regulators
Elon Musk is facing problems from more than just his flagship company. As Tesla stock continues to trend downward amid declining sales and consumer backlash, its future appears increasingly uncertain. With the electric vehicle (EV) leader struggling so much, it can be easy to overlook the fact that Musk's other companies are also dealing with problems. One of his other enterprises is off to an extremely discouraging start this year, after multiple public failures, likely severely diminishing confidence in its products. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The company in question is SpaceX, Musk's space exploration and technology startup, which became the world's most valuable privately held company in December 2024. Unfortunately, since then, it has attempted multiple rocket launches that haven't gone well, making things even more complicated for Musk. Now the company is gearing up to continue operations in the coming months, raising concerns among regulators. Image source: Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Anyone who follows SpaceX's recent progress knows that the company isn't off to a good start in 2025. The company has launched multiple Starship rockets this year, a central component of Musk's plan to help colonize Mars, both of which have ended in a literal explosion. Related: Elon Musk faces growing legal Twitter/X problem This comes at a time when SpaceX had previously seemed poised to usher in a new era of space tourism, something Musk had been highly focused on for years. With his new proximity to President Donald Trump, it seemed likelier than ever that his rocket company could reach new heights. However, after multiple explosions in just a few months, SpaceX may have a difficult time convincing regulators that its problems are over. The company is preparing to attempt another launch, which will send its Starship 9 rocket over the Caribbean, specifically over several British territories. According to reports, the previous SpaceX launches resulted in debris falling on these exact islands, a group that includes the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and Anguilla. This has prompted concern among UK regulators that the people of these islands could be in danger if the SpaceX launch proceeds as planned. More Elon Musk News: Elon Musk gets devastating news as the 'anti-Tesla' catches onLeaked Tesla policy should infuriate Tesla loyalistsElon Musk's robotaxi ambitions hit with major roadblock The outlet describes this space vessel as the world's most powerful rocket, noting that increasing its launches seems to be a priority for Musk. SpaceX has made the same claim, stating that it is "capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable" into space. For the people of these islands, the prospect of another SpaceX launch could be a scary thought, and for good reason. Following the Starship 7 explosion in January, pieces of the rocket were found along beaches and roads in Turks and Caicos, and one resident reported that the debris damaged their car. Related: Veteran analyst revamps Rocket Lab stock price target As TheStreet's Veronika Bondarenko reported, when the Starship 8 exploded three months later, flights in Orlando, Florida, were unable to take off due to what airport authorities described as "space launch debris in the area." People on the Florida coast and across the Bahamas claimed to be able to see red streaks in the sky from the failed launch. With that in mind, British regulators have asked the U.S. Department of State to consider having the launch trajectory or site changed to prevent further risks to British territories. They have also requested that more information regarding SpaceX's planned safety measures be provided before the launch of Starship 9, expected to happen next week. This makes it quite clear that they do not trust Musk or his company. SpaceX recently gained federal approval to launch more rockets in South Texas, but that doesn't mean regulatory agencies are confident that more missions won't mean more disasters post-launch. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
