SpaceX flights face Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hurdle. The FAA has announced that it has extended the deadline for Super Heavy’s environmental assessment to February 28, 2022.
The environmental assessment report date, set as December 31, 2021, has been extended by the FAA. Evaluating whether SpaceX’s plan to reduce the potential impact on the environment is sufficient, the FAA announced that it has not yet completed its work.
FAA scrutinizes environmental impact of SpaceX studies
In the statement made by the FAA, “Due to the high number of evaluations sent to us, the deadline will be extended. In addition, consultation with the advisory parties will continue during this process. ” statements were included. There are more than 18,000 public reviews for the report, which is prepared under federal law.
SpaceX, which has done some tests in the Earth’s atmosphere before, has not yet performed a test flight with Super Heavy. Super Heavy, which will carry people on Elon Musk’s journeys to the Moon and Mars, has a very important task.
If approved by the FAA in February, the Starship’s maiden flight will take place in March 2022. Some analysts say the government may seek additional time for a more comprehensive environmental impact report. The Starship flight will be delayed for a few more months when the review period is extended.
Elon Musk, who was a guest on the Lex Fridman podcast published on Tuesday, answered the questions posed to him. Asked when SpecaX can land on Mars, Musk paused for more than 20 seconds and said, “At best it’s about 5 years, but this could take up to 10 years. ” said.
Elon Musk: “SpaceX may be on the brink of bankruptcy”
Musk initially aimed to land humans on Mars in 2024. In a statement in December 2020, Musk said, “We will take people to the red planet in 6 years. I am very confident about this. ” he said. However, the prolonging process due to bureaucratic obstacles shook Musk’s belief in going to Mars in a short time.
Earlier this year, Musk expressed concern that bankruptcy would be a potential risk if Starship didn’t ship soon. SpaceX left unanswered questions about the FAA.
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