Steph Deschamps / September 12, 2023
SpaceX will once again be able to resume testing with the world's largest rocket after meeting safety and environmental requirements. The private space company has received a list from the US regulator FAA with 63 points that must be met before Starship can take off again. During the last test, the rocket exploded, but the test taught SpaceX a lot.
SpaceX will once again be able to resume testing with the world's largest rocket after meeting safety and environmental requirements. The private space company has received a list from the US regulator FAA with 63 points that must be met before Starship can take off again. During the last test, the rocket exploded, but the test taught SpaceX a lot.
Elon Musk's company hopes to build a reusable rocket that could, among other things, fly to Mars. In April, a test took place for the first time and the complete rocket, comprising the Starship capsule and Super Heavy launcher, took off. The test of the 120-metre-high craft ended in an explosion and the destruction of the launch pad after less than four minutes.
The explosion had "multiple causes", said the FAA on Friday. In particular, measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence of the fuel leaks and fires that occurred during the test flight.
SpaceX indicated on its website on Friday that numerous modifications had already been made to the rocket. Since the April test, lessons have been learned and various improvements have been implemented both on the rocket and on the launch pad. The company says it has always worked with a process of tests, adjustments and new versions.