SpaceX intends to launch its Starship rocket for the second time on Friday, and CEO Elon Musk seems to believe regulatory approval to do so is imminent.
In a post on X Monday night, Musk said he had been told that SpaceX will receive a federal launch license this week, in time for a Friday launch. The company has been awaiting the outcome of a federal environmental review by the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Was just informed that approval to launch should happen in time for a Friday launch https://t.co/NshoTHdqew
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2023
SpaceX’s first Starship launch came in April, and, while it did reach certain technical milestones for a rocket of its size, the rocket exploded just minutes into its flight.
The 400-foot rocket’s explosion triggered an environmental review. The FAA announced completed its portion of the review on October 31, at which point the FWS portion remained ongoing.
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