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FAA approves SpaceX Starship 5 flight set for Sunday

The Federal Aviation Administration approved a license on Saturday for the launch of SpaceX's Starship 5 set for Sunday after previously stating it did not anticipate to make a decision until late November.

Reuters first reported today the faster than expected timetable after the FAA in September had actually recommended a much longer review.

SpaceX is targeting Sunday for the launch and said a. 30-minute launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT (1200 GMT)

The FAA stated on Saturday SpaceX had satisfied all safety,. environmental and other licensing requirements for the. suborbital test flight for the fifth test of the Starship and. has likewise approved the Starship 6 mission profile.

The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are a fully. multiple-use system developed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit,. the Moon and beyond.

The 5th test flight of the Starship/Super Heavy from Boca. Chica, Texas, includes a return to the launch site of the Super. Heavy booster rocket for a catch effort by the launch tower,. and a water landing of the Starship car in the Indian Ocean. west of Australia.

The FAA stated if SpaceX selects an uncontrolled entry it. need to interact that choice to the FAA prior to launch, the. loss of the Starship lorry will be considered a planned occasion,. and a mishap examination will not be needed.

On Friday, the FAA authorized the return to flight of the. SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle after it examined and accepted the. SpaceX-led examination findings and corrective actions for the. accident that happened Sept. 28.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has harshly criticized the FAA,. including for proposing a $633,000 fine versus SpaceX over. launch issues and for the hold-up in approving the license for. Starship 5, which the company states has been ready to introduce. considering that August. Musk has actually called for the resignation of FAA. Administrator Mike Whitaker and threatened to sue the firm.

(source: Reuters)