SpaceX is nearing a third launch attempt for its giant Starship rocket, although the exact date and time remains a mystery.
Boss Elon Musk said the 120-metre rocket is "preparing for launch" after the first two flights made it off the ground but exploded before reaching orbit.
Photos from the company's Starbase facility at Boca Chica, South Texas, showed the space vehicle in its fully stacked configuration, which at almost 400 feet is taller than the Statue of Liberty with Super Heavy boosters affixed below the Starship upper stage rocket that is a prototype of a design that is planned to be able to carry cargo and passengers into Earth orbit, to the moon and potentially enable interplanetary travel.
The US Federal Aviation Administration carried out an investigation into November's Flight 2, which roared towards space for eight minutes before exploding, which was a few minutes better than the maiden flight in April 2023, which was blown up after the failure of its two stages to separate as planned.
In its own internal review, SpaceX identified the root causes of the explosion and suggested 17 corrective actions, which the FAA accepted as it closed its investigation a week ago.
Following a final evaluation, FAA had been pencilled in to have given the next launch license in February.
"Prior to the next launch, SpaceX must implement all corrective actions and receive a license modification from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental and other applicable regulatory requirements," the agency said.
"The FAA is evaluating SpaceX’s license modification request and expects SpaceX to submit additional required information before a final determination can be made," they added.
Following a successful 'wet dress rehearsal' on Sunday, the regulator is expected to give the final green light for the launch to take place in the first half of March.
The final rehearsal reportedly involved more than 10 million pounds of propellant loaded onto the Starship and Super Heavy, a mix of liquid oxygen and methane, with a "flight-like countdown" taken all the way to T-minus-10 seconds.
That’s one of the final milestones before the next launch! Now we just keep our eyes open for the usual road closures, marine notices, temporary flight restrictions, licenses etc. Hopefully within the next two or three weeks! ???? https://t.co/2JBgE9bk79
— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) March 4, 2024
SpaceX says it has more Starships "ready to fly", with future models expected to be larger and with both stages reusable.
"Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable launch system capable of carrying satellites, payloads, crew, and cargo to a variety of orbits and Earth, lunar, or Martian landing sites," it said in a statement on its website.
The company is working with NASA to support an unmanned landing on the moon and a lunar human landing demonstration as part of the Artemis missions, as well as to dock with the Gateway four-person space station that is planned to orbit the Moon.