SpaceX flight testing in South Texas
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
A marine notice has been posted for November 6th for rocket launching operations near Boca Chica Beach!
This does NOT mean a launch license has been granted but is a good sign one could be granted very soon!
(I think we could get a launch license announcement today or tomorrow, just my opinion though)
This does NOT mean a launch license has been granted but is a good sign one could be granted very soon!
(I think we could get a launch license announcement today or tomorrow, just my opinion though)
I trust that SpaceX has smart people who know what they're doing...
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
The FAA has completed the safety review portion of Starship-Super Heavy today.
Main outstanding item is now the consultation with FWS, and the environmental section of the review.
Main outstanding item is now the consultation with FWS, and the environmental section of the review.
FAA completes safety review for next Starship launch - SpaceNews
135 days - if calendar days that's 4 1/2 months - if it's "work" days, it's over six months. 
The FAA is continuing to work on an environmental review, including consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding any environmental effects of a new water deluge system installed on the Starship launch pad at Boca Chica, Texas.
FWS, in an Oct. 26 statement, said it had formally reinitiated an Endangered Species Act consultation with the FAA about modifications to the pad on Oct. 19. “We have up to 135 days to issue an amended biological opinion but do not expect to take the full amount of time,” FWS stated, but did not offer a more precise estimate of the time needed to complete the review.
FWS, in an Oct. 26 statement, said it had formally reinitiated an Endangered Species Act consultation with the FAA about modifications to the pad on Oct. 19. “We have up to 135 days to issue an amended biological opinion but do not expect to take the full amount of time,” FWS stated, but did not offer a more precise estimate of the time needed to complete the review.
“When it comes to projects of national interest, such as the Artemis program, Congress should establish a regulatory regime consistent with the national program’s objectives and schedules,” he said. Agencies supporting the FAA licensing process, “like those with environmental responsibilities, should also be required to complete their work consistent with the national program schedules.”
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship could launch as soon as mid-November, pending regulatory approval →
https://www.spacex.com/launches/miss...rship-flight-2
https://www.spacex.com/launches/miss...rship-flight-2
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Closures for November 13th through the 15th have just been posted. This is likely for the 2nd Starship Integrated Flight Test!
Time to get excited!
Time to get excited!
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
This weekend is bringing a front of bad weather extending into next week. If the government isn't causing delays mother nature will always pick up the slack.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
A NOTAM has been posted for Mexican airspace for the next launch of SpaceX's Starship rocket. The notice is valid from November 13th to 18th with daily windows running from 7AM CST to 9:39AM CST (13:00-15:39 UTC).
And now a Navigational Hazard Warning has been posted as well for the Gulf of Mexico. Same daily windows from November 13th to November 18th running from 7AM CST to 9:39AM CST.
And hold up, another one just came in also for the Starship reentry over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. So that's the launch and reentry of Starship now covered.
And now a Navigational Hazard Warning has been posted as well for the Gulf of Mexico. Same daily windows from November 13th to November 18th running from 7AM CST to 9:39AM CST.
And hold up, another one just came in also for the Starship reentry over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. So that's the launch and reentry of Starship now covered.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Weather related - wind and rain expected to last until 16th.
NOTAM now indicating NET November 15 for IFT2 launch, of course, pending approval. As if it's not already....
NOTAM now indicating NET November 15 for IFT2 launch, of course, pending approval. As if it's not already....
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
One of the last actions performed before flight….
Videos…
Booster 9 Flight Termination System (FTS) install - the explosives that will destroy the vehicle in case of anomaly.
An improved system from Booster 7 after its FTS trigger resulted in a "It's just a flesh wound!" reaction during the first test flight.
Videos…
Booster 9 Flight Termination System (FTS) install - the explosives that will destroy the vehicle in case of anomaly.
An improved system from Booster 7 after its FTS trigger resulted in a "It's just a flesh wound!" reaction during the first test flight.
Ah, now then. The FTS is only good for a finite period so they must be confident.
I also spotted something the other day that indicated a 3rd launch on 1st of December.
Assuming the environmental cleanup and regulatory approval gets done quickly.
Fingers crossed.
I also spotted something the other day that indicated a 3rd launch on 1st of December.
Assuming the environmental cleanup and regulatory approval gets done quickly.
Fingers crossed.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Ahead of Flight 2, Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) has a detailed guide to Starship's pre-fueling activities, the pre-launch sequence, and the propellant load nuances. Plus, an overview of the trajectory timelines for Booster 9 and Ship 25.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship could launch as soon as early as Friday, November 17, pending final regulatory approval.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our X account for updates.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our X account for updates.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Elon Musk:
Was just informed that approval to launch should happen in time for a Friday launch.
Was just informed that approval to launch should happen in time for a Friday launch.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Targeting Friday, November 17 for Starship’s second flight test. A two-hour launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT → http://spacex.com/launches
[1300 UTC ]
US Fish and Wildlife Service gave the go for launch. FAA license approval still pending but likely.
[1300 UTC ]
US Fish and Wildlife Service gave the go for launch. FAA license approval still pending but likely.
Last edited by ORAC; 15th Nov 2023 at 22:21.
