According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Starship should be ready for its first orbital launch next month.
However, the company is still waiting for regulatory approval. To help SpaceX’s cause, Musk took to Twitter to ask the public to submit comments of support to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by November 1, 2021.
Your support makes a big difference! Please let the FAA know your opinion. https://t.co/4T3NaemoCr
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 23, 2021
The FAA requires SpaceX to demonstrate it has taken all necessary safety precautions if something goes wrong on a launch attempt. Considering that many of the Starship prototypes exploded, an explosion is not out of the question.
However, Starship has seen many successes, with multiple successful high-altitude test flights.
SpaceX Starship’s first orbital flight will take it from Texas to Hawaii
The company could see some opposition to getting their FAA approvals during the call for public comments. The main issue continues to be access to a local Boca Chica beach, which closes during launches and major testing.
At the same time, other problems include the noise generated at launches and the potential for metal or other products hitting the local area.
If SpaceX receives FAA approvals, the next launch will see Starship and a Super Heavy booster head into orbit. A first for the company.
