SpaceX announces fifth flight test, pending FAA approval

BROWNSVILLE, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — SpaceX has announced it will launch its fifth test flight as soon as Oct. 13, pending regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

However, last month the FAA gave SpaceX an estimated date of November for when it will approve a launch license for Starship’s fifth test flight.

The FAA previously targeted SpaceX’s next test flight for mid-September, but moved it back more than two months later due to “superfluous environmental analysis.”

In a statement provided by the FAA to ValleyCentral states that SpaceX’s current license authorizing the Starship Flight 4 launch also allows for multiple flights with the same vehicle configuration and mission profile.

However, because SpaceX chose to modify both for the fifth test flight, a more in-depth review was needed.

“In addition, SpaceX submitted new information in mid-August detailing how the environmental impact of Flight 5 will cover a larger area than previously reviewed. This requires the FAA to consult with other agencies,” the FAA stated.

SpaceX must meet all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements before the FAA can authorize a launch.

According to the FAA, a final license determination for Starship Flight 5 is not expected before late November.

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