SpaceX "GO" For Starship 4th Flight Test As FAA Grants Launch License

SpaceX is "GO" to launch its nearly 400-foot tall, two-stage Starship on June 6 from its facilities in south Texas. The launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT, with a 120-minute test period.

On June 4th the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cleared the way for the fourth test flight by updated SpaceX Starship Launch Licenses.

"The FAA has approved a license authorization for SpaceX Starship Flight 4...SpaceX met all safety and other licensing requirements for this test flight." - FAA

Test Induced Damage Exception

The FAA's license now includes a test-induced damage exception section, which identifies objectives related to potential issues during the flight. The exceptions cover:

• Failure of the thermal shield during high heating.

• Insufficient control from the flap system under high dynamic pressure.

• Raptor engine system failure during the landing burn.

If any of these scenarios occur, no investigation will be required provided there are no serious injuries, fatalities, damage to unrelated property, or debris outside designated hazard areas.

Additionally, the FAA approved the mission profile for both controlled and uncontrolled entries of the Starship vehicle. Should SpaceX opt for an uncontrolled entry, they must notify the FAA before launch, treating any loss of the vehicle as a planned event without necessitating an investigation.

Focus on Reusability

The fourth flight test marks a shift in focus from achieving orbit to demonstrating the ability to return and reuse the Starship and its Super Heavy booster.

Primary objectives include executing a landing burn and a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico with the Super Heavy booster, and achieving a controlled entry of Starship.

To meet these goals, SpaceX has implemented several software and hardware upgrades based on lessons from previous flights. Operational changes include jettisoning the Super Heavy’s hot-stage following boostback to reduce booster mass for the final flight phase.

The flight will follow a trajectory similar to the previous test, targeting a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This path avoids a deorbit burn for reentry, enhancing public safety while still aiming for a controlled Starship reentry.

Previous Achievements and Future Goals

Starship's third flight test achieved significant milestones, such as the first Starship reentry from space, the first opening and "closing" of the payload door in space, and a successful propellant transfer demonstration. These accomplishments provided valuable data for future missions, including NASA’s Artemis program aimed at returning astronauts to the Moon.

The fourth flight test aims to build on these successes, advancing SpaceX’s goal of creating a rapidly reusable transportation system capable of carrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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Photo captured by Gavin.R for TLPNetwork.com