The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday granted a license to SpaceX that clears the California rocket builder to launch its gargantuan methane-powered Super Heavy/Starship rocket on its first unpiloted test flight to space as early as Monday.
"After a comprehensive license evaluation process, the FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, airspace integration and financial responsibility requirements," the agency said."The license is valid for five years."
The Super Heavy first stage alone stands 23 stories tall, while the Starship upper stage, designed to carry cargo, passengers or both, towers another 164 feet and is equipped with six Raptor engines. "Our job, of course, is to ensure that if a mishap occurs, that that mishap does not impact the public in an adverse manner. So that's the focus that we have in our licensing activity."
After discarding the Super Heavy stage, the Starship will continue the climb to space, flying over the Florida Straits to an eventual altitude of about 150 miles, according to the FAA. It will not enter orbit. Instead, it will descend along a ballistic trajectory to re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
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