SpaceX might delay the launch of Starship Flight 9, according to fresh notices from the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. These warnings cover space debris falling in the Indian Ocean from May 27 to June 4. The Federal Aviation Administration already sent notices about flights over the Turks and Caicos Islands from May 22 to May 31. The FAA also told the media yesterday that SpaceX must wait until officials finish their Flight 8 mishap investigation or declare it safe to fly again.
The FAA did approve license changes for Flight 9 that allow SpaceX to launch up to 25 missions from Texas instead of just five before. These changes hint that SpaceX may skip catching the Super Heavy booster with the launch tower this time. Flight 9 marks the first test using a reused first-stage booster that previously flew on Starship Flight 7. SpaceX submitted its mishap report for Flight 8 on May 14, but no decision has been announced. Elon Musk stated on social media that he plans to give a talk about Mars plans right before next week's launch.
Local footage shows SpaceX moved the mission's booster from the launch pad back to production buildings earlier today. This move raises more questions about the actual launch date despite Musk's statements. The company faces several hurdles before Flight 9 can take off.
The FAA did approve license changes for Flight 9 that allow SpaceX to launch up to 25 missions from Texas instead of just five before. These changes hint that SpaceX may skip catching the Super Heavy booster with the launch tower this time. Flight 9 marks the first test using a reused first-stage booster that previously flew on Starship Flight 7. SpaceX submitted its mishap report for Flight 8 on May 14, but no decision has been announced. Elon Musk stated on social media that he plans to give a talk about Mars plans right before next week's launch.
Local footage shows SpaceX moved the mission's booster from the launch pad back to production buildings earlier today. This move raises more questions about the actual launch date despite Musk's statements. The company faces several hurdles before Flight 9 can take off.
