SpaceX Starship: 10 FAA Approval Questions Answered

There has been a lot of confusion about the upcoming #SpaceX #Starship SN9 launch so I thought we should spend a few minutes going over what it means to obtain FAA Approval, what the criteria is, why the FAA is involved along with a number of other questions surrounding the FAA Approval process for all rocket launches performed by US rocket launch provider.

Why so many NOTAMS for Starhopper?

Lunar Starship Animation

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:32 What is the FAA's role?
1:51 How is safety evaluated?
4:24 What approvals are needed for launch?
5:37 Who issues TFRs and NOTAMs?
8:30 How do we know if they have approval?
9:15 Isn't this the same as SN8?
11:16 Does the FAA hate SpaceX?
11:33 Should regulations be reformed?
12:15 Can they launch in international waters?
13:06 What happened with SN9?

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The maiden flight of SN9, the latest iteration of Elon Musk's next-generation Starship rocket designed to go to Mars, remains grounded as a new week begins at the SpaceX rocket development facility in Boca Chica, Texas. Last week, SpaceX and Musk engaged in a staring contest with the Federal Aviation Administration, and the FAA did not blink. On Thursday, SpaceX went through the process of loading fuel into SN9 in preparation for a launch at its Texas Gulf Coast facility. But the FAA didn't give the OK for the flight to take place. Musk aired his frustration with the government agency on Twitter and said: "Unlike its aircraft division, which is fine, the FAA space division has a fundamentally broken regulatory structure. Their rules are meant for a handful of expendable launches per year from a few government facilities. Under those rules, humanity will never get to Mars." In response to a request for comment, an FAA spokesperson said: "We will continue working with SpaceX to resolve outstanding safety issues before we approve the next test flight." On Friday morning, the scene began to repeat when residents of nearby Boca Chica Village were evacuated in hopes that the FAA was ready to give the green light. But shortly thereafter residents learned there would be no test launch Friday and it was safe to return home. Then the drama deepened Friday evening when the Verge reported that SpaceX had violated its launch license from the FAA for the December test flight of SN8. The predecessor to SN9 launched from Boca Chica, reached approximately the same altitude where commercial jets do much of their cruising and then oriented itself for a landing. But alas, SN8 came in too fast and met a spectacular and explosive end. SpaceX SN8 flew high and landed hard. It's not clear what part of SN8's flight might have violated its FAA launch license, but it appears that SpaceX now seeks to modify its launch license for SN9. Again, the specific nature of the requested modifications is not clear. The FAA didn't respond to requests for specific comment but did send a general statement: "The FAA will continue to work with SpaceX to evaluate additional information provided by the company as part of its application to modify its launch license. While we recognize the importance of moving quickly to foster growth and innovation in commercial space, the FAA will not compromise its responsibility to protect public safety. We will approve the modification only after we are satisfied that SpaceX has taken the necessary steps to comply with regulatory requirements." What happens next is uncertain. Obviously SpaceX and the FAA will need to get on the same page before SN9 can fly. The company says it's targeting Monday for the test launch. However, temporary flight restrictions issued by the FAA and local beach and road closures for the launch zone indicate that sometime Tuesday is the next earliest launch opportunity. Whenever SN9 flies, I'll be live here. Stay tuned.

[OLHZN]

Did you learn anything new from this video? I hope so!

[KatiB]

For obvious reasons, I _love_ this.

You didn't waste any time and it's to the same high standard and great energy as always. You did well, Tory.

Once again, yes, drones! I love that you included that. It really is so important for drone hobbyist (and novices) to know this information.

[dgthall]

Thank you, this was VERY well done, clear and simple. I will reposting this everywhere I can...

[MentorAnimations]

This was an amazing video! I genuinely did not know the FAA did not issue NOTAMs.

[Heffie]

Very informative, especially to those of us not from the US. There's a lot of hype around Starship and I think that sometimes spills over into conspiracy theories when things don't seem to go the way of the hype. There is an awful lot of regulation around anything to do with Aerospace which people just don't get.

[framryk]

Fantastic video. Regulators going to regulate. SpaceX going to innovate. Meet in the middle with more agile regulation, good hazard analysis and transparent reporting, everybody wins. Better a few days delay (and yes, it is days) to get SN9 onwards to loose the bonds of Earth and touch the sky.... safely! As usual @Overlook Horizon rocks! 🤩🚀👍

[wleizero]

Finally a channel with properly researched news! Insightful SN8 questions you threw out at @10:11. That's amazing that the FAA worked all weekend, can't wait for the launch!

[bertschb]

Excellent video! You are one of the few on YT that speaks clearly and concisely. Well done!

[snuffeldjuret]

given the quality of your content, it is "crazy" to think you "only" have 55k subs.

[mrrichardlaw]

First time watching one of your videos and I have to say, what an informative and well explained presentation. Learned a lot. Thanks for sharing so objectively.

[oklibrarian]

Fascinating! I grew up watching shuttle launches on TV with my dad (retired civilian Air force employee), and I learn something new pretty much every episode and livestream you do. Thanks!

[WandererLife]

Thanks for being the intelligent, informative voice of reason as usual Tory.

[RyanZiegler]

Thanks for another great video!! The NOTAM example was a great explanation. Can't wait for the live stream!!!

[jonwatkins]

Great Video! SpaceX is a Treasure of incredible value. A restricted airspace area should be created around The Starship Factory. They are all over the country for far less valuable assets.

[jcims]

Great information but also man you crushed the delivery. Fantastic job!!!

[karrieann]

Great Explanation 🥰Thank you Tory. Many don't understand FAA is about safety. I'm sure things will be fine. It's very exciting for everyone but Safety First. Thanks for clarifying things and replay. I needed the replay👍

[Mark]

I subscribe to lots of SpaceX channels but I've never seen this channel till it appeared in suggestions . You just explained the FAA and Spaces issue perfectly like no one else has this week. Thank you.
It's a no brainer to subscribe.

[levi]

As a mod for LabPadre this is super helpful! Thanks for all the information!

[Richjwade]

Great video Tory, right on point as always and perfectly explained. I did remember you Starhopper video as well! Safety has to be the number one priority in life, period! Looking forward to your SN9 coverage 😀

[missingseattle]

Thanks for this. Nice to see somebody knows what the hell they are talking about. I worked for Boeing commercial aerospace for 20 years and dealt personally with the FAA on numerous occasions. One thing I learned dealing with FAA, everything is small incremental steps. Back in 1999 I got a letter of agreement from FAA that then saves Boeing $114, 000 a month to this day. It took me and my tiger team 18 months to get that letter. Leave SpaceX and the FAA to do their stuff in peace and everything will work out fine. It just takes time!