SpaceX is getting closer to launching its second flight of Starship, with preparations in the final stages. The company is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FAA has completed its safety review portion of the license evaluation, but full approval is pending the FWS environmental review portion. Once approval is granted, SpaceX will set a launch date, which is currently tracking for mid-November.
The recent Wet Dress Rehearsal, in which the vehicle was filled with propellant but not launched, was successful and highlighted the progress towards launch. After the rehearsal, the vehicle was destacked, and attention shifted to obtaining the necessary approvals. If the regulatory process had been completed by now, a launch on November 6th would have been possible. SpaceX has demonstrated its ability to move into a launch stance quickly after receiving approval, so a mid-November launch target is still achievable.
Increased activity by the FWS around the launch site indicates that approval may come soon. Once the FWS completes its environmental review, it will inform the FAA, who will then issue confirmation of the launch license approval. SpaceX will then issue media accreditation for placing cameras inside the exclusion zone and coordinate with local authorities to ensure public safety. The final processing at the launch pad will involve replenishing the Tank Farm and arming the Flight Termination System (FTS) on Ship 25.
The FTS is designed to destroy the vehicle if it deviates from its planned trajectory. It has undergone modifications since the maiden launch and was retested at the Masseys test site. After the completion of these preparations, Ship 25 will be restacked atop Booster 9. On launch day, there are potential caveats that could lead to a scrub, such as engine failures or unacceptable parameters.
The launch countdown will involve various modifications, including activating the water deluge system to protect the launch pad surface. Elon Musk also mentioned that the launch sequence will be modified to reduce stress on the launch pad surface. The main objective of this flight is to test the modifications on Booster 9, but minimal damage to the launch site will facilitate a quick turnaround for the third flight.
If successful, this flight will set the stage for reaching orbital velocity and moving towards operational rockets. Ship 28, which includes many modifications compared to Ship 25, will be used for the third flight. SpaceX aims to achieve its objectives during the first stage flight and potentially reach orbital velocity in early 2024.
Overall, the second flight of Starship is closing in on a potential November launch date. SpaceX is awaiting regulatory approval and conducting final preparations before setting the official launch date. The successful completion of this flight will pave the way for further advancements in SpaceX’s Starship program.