Aircraft Hazard Areas Expanded

The FAA has granted final approval to SpaceX for its next Starship launch, possibly as early as May 27, with an updated launch license that included an increase in launch rate from the Starbase facility in South Texas as well as an expansion of the aircraft hazard areas (AHA) to prevent any debris from hitting an aircraft.

An environmental review concluded that the hazard areas should be expanded because the failure of two previous launches increased the probability of failure more than estimated. The plan to reuse a previously flown Super Heavy booster on Flight 9 also contributed to the decision to expand the hazard areas.

In its decision statement the FAA said, “The FAA conducted a comprehensive safety review of the SpaceX Starship Flight 8 mishap and determined that the company has satisfactorily addressed the causes of the mishap, and therefore, the Starship vehicle can return to flight.

“With the Starship vehicle return to flight determination, Starship Flight 9 is authorized for launch. The FAA finds SpaceX meets all of the rigorous safety, environmental and other licensing requirements,” the agency added.

The FAA noted the hazard areas for Flight 9 extend eastward from Starbase for about 1,600 nm (2,960 km) past the Straights of Florida, including the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. The hazard area for Flight 8 was only 885 nm by comparison.

FMI:  www.spacex.com/