Boca Chica, TX – The massive Starship rocket now stands fully assembled on its launch pad at SpaceX’s Starbase facility, but regulatory approval for a launch attempt remains elusive.
The 394-foot tall stainless steel rocket, consisting of the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage, is the tallest rocket ever constructed. SpaceX continues to prepare it for an ambitious orbital test flight despite an ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration following an explosion during a launch attempt in February.
“We are continuing working closely with SpaceX to resolve outstanding safety issues before we approve the next test flight,” said an FAA spokesperson Thursday.
While no timeline has been given, SpaceX founder Elon Musk expressed confidence via Twitter last week that regulatory approval is near. “We appreciate the FAA’s thorough review,” he said. “I’m optimistic we can launch again soon.”
The FAA is investigating the cause of the dramatic explosion shortly after liftoff during a launch attempt on April 20th. The mishap destroyed the rocket and launch tower.
SpaceX will be required to implement corrective actions recommended by the FAA before the agency grants approval for the next launch. As the investigation continues, the towering rocket standing fully stacked serves as a symbol of the company’s ambitions.
The Starship is designed to be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, capable of carrying over 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. SpaceX intends to use it to send astronauts and cargo to the Moon and Mars. But first it must demonstrate a successful orbital test flight.
All eyes remain on SpaceX and the FAA as investors, space enthusiasts and competitors wait eagerly for Starship’s next launch attempt. While the rocket remains grounded, Musk’s vision of humanity as a multiplanetary species waits a bit longer on the pad.
