The reason, per source, is the license review process. SpaceX and FAA are still finalizing the flight safety analysis and rules for the SN9 attempt, and there's no need to rush through it for a launch today when it can just as easily be tomorrow.
Elon Musk is apparently working the phones with the FAA right now to try and secure approval for the 10km attempt.
I have no idea what happens next, but they're preparing to load propellant into Starship SN9.
In its policy paper for the Biden administration the Coalition for Deep Space, which is funded largely by legacy aerospace firms, appears to not believe that Starship exists.
Statement from the FAA just now re the SpaceX SN9 flight: “We will continue working with SpaceX to resolve outstanding safety issues before we approve the next test flight.”
I HOPE it's a "conspiracy theory". The FAA is still jerking them around.As they say over on a certain well known spaceflight forum there’s no need to bring out the conspiracy theories, in fact you would find such posts rapidly deleted.
The locals have been told no launch today, they're going back to their homes. SN10 may be rolling out as we speak, though.
No flight today residents returning to their homes. Reason FAA has still not approved the flight.
No flight today residents returning to their homes. Reason FAA has still not approved the flight.
Depends on who you listen to. Some saying it’s because the FAA are insisting that swapping the engines has meant its a whole new vehicle needing to be re-approved for flight. Others that it’s things like a car driving past during a static fire.No flight today residents returning to their homes. Reason FAA has still not approved the flight.
Anybody know why?
The person said the FAA, rather, was “pedaling very fast” and “doing everything to speed things up to become more efficient and more effective and agile while still maintaining public safety.”
The person said that the agency expected to have the approval ready soon and that it was already working on the license for the test flight after that.
As for Musk’s tweet, the person said: “I don’t find it helpful.”
I'll believe it when I see it.
The person said the FAA, rather, was “pedaling very fast” and “doing everything to speed things up to become more efficient and more effective and agile while still maintaining public safety.”
The person said that the agency expected to have the approval ready soon and that it was already working on the license for the test flight after that.
As for Musk’s tweet, the person said: “I don’t find it helpful.”
When a window does open, is there anything stopping SpaceX from launching SN-9 and 10 back to back?
When a window does open, is there anything stopping SpaceX from launching SN-9 and 10 back to back?
Complexity of efforts, limited oxygen production, and risk.
Has the FAA cleared it then?Next flight attempt will now be Monday.
It would seem on the face of it that some of Musk's foes are well in with the new administration. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually see an attempt to nationalise Tesla.
I am guessing that’s more a hope than a certainty at this point in time.Has the FAA cleared it then?Next flight attempt will now be Monday.
Are you referring to the DOJ investigation?It would seem on the face of it that some of Musk's foes are well in with the new administration. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually see an attempt to nationalise Tesla.
How did the new administration start an investigation last summer?
Also, such launch windows are normally strictly limited to a specific vehicle.When a window does open, is there anything stopping SpaceX from launching SN-9 and 10 back to back?
Complexity of efforts, limited oxygen production, and risk.