Episode description

On December 17, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX a modified license, paving the way for the next Starship test flight, expected as early as January 2025. This approval allows SpaceX to execute multiple launches using the Flight 7 mission profile without requiring a separate modification for each attempt. The decision was made after a thorough assessment to ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and licensing criteria. FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin B. Coleman noted, “This license modification that we are issuing is well ahead of the Starship Flight 7 launch date and is another example of the FAA’s commitment to enable safe space transportation.”

The upcoming mission will see SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy booster lift off from Boca Chica, Texas, before separating. The Super Heavy booster will return to the launch site for a catch attempt by the launch tower, while Starship will follow a suborbital trajectory, culminating in a water landing in the Indian Ocean west of Australia. This flight mirrors past missions but introduces upgraded vehicle configurations, which could enhance performance.