Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: SpaceX

The upcoming test flight of the Starship-Super Heavy Flight 9 is subject to a Federal Aviation Administration go-ahead due to a still open mishap investigation of the Starship’s last flight on March 6.

Prior to the end of the ascent burn, an “energetic event” in the aft portion of Starship resulted in the loss of several Raptor engines. “This in turn led to a loss of attitude control and ultimately a loss of communications with Starship,” reported SpaceX. “Final contact with Starship came approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff.

Starship debris image credit: Wandy Rodriguez@JustFlyAndRock

Mishap investigation

While the FAA has issued a license modification for SpaceX’s proposed Flight 9 operation, “the SpaceX-led mishap investigation for Starship-Super Heavy Flight 8 remains open,” states a communiqué from the FAA SpaceX Boca Chica Project Team.

“SpaceX may not proceed with the proposed Flight 9 launch until the FAA either accepts the final mishap investigation report or the FAA issues a return to flight determination,” the Team adds.

Aircraft hazard area

Based on the safety analysis for Starship-Super Heavy Flight 9, an Aircraft Hazard Area and associated Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) would necessitate FAA to close airspace over a portion of the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

An FAA “Tiered Environmental Assessment” indicates that the Aircraft Hazard Area (AHA) for Starship Flight 9 is projected to affect over 175 flights, “with 99 percent of the identified aircraft involved in international connecting routes.”

Image credit: FAA

To minimize disruption to National Airspace System (NAS) stakeholders, the launch window has been scheduled outside peak transit periods.