The US space exploration technology company SpaceX has successfully completed the first static ignition test of the interplanetary spacecraft prototype SN20, which is the main test the spacecraft faces before the first orbital test flight. SpaceX has previously stated that the first orbital test flight may take place within a few months.
However, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that the first orbital test flight of the interstellar spacecraft prototype may take place as soon as next month, which is obviously earlier than expected.
Musk wrote on Twitter: “If all goes well, the interplanetary spacecraft prototype will be ready for the first orbital test flight next month, and is now awaiting regulatory approval.” SpaceX’s orbital launch needs to first obtain the Federal Aviation Administration.
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In addition, the FAA also conducted an environmental review of SpaceX’s operations in southern Texas. The agency’s review draft was released on September 17, and public comments and suggestions will be solicited before October 18. The deadline is November 1.
Moreover, public comments received by the FAA indicate that there are mixed opinions about SpaceX’s orbital launch near Boca Chica in southern Texas. Some expressed their support for SpaceX and its launch efforts, while others expressed concern about the environmental impact of such launches.
This review is critical to SpaceX’s space flight plan because the company’s interstellar spacecraft and super-heavy rocket booster launches require a license granted by the FAA. SpaceX hopes to use the interstellar spacecraft system to launch humans and cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Furthermore, NASA awarded SpaceX in April a contract requiring the company to design and build a special version of the interstellar spacecraft as the crew of the agency’s “Artemis” return to the moon program.
However, due to legal issues surrounding the lander, especially when the US Senate told NASA to choose a second company to build another lunar lander as a backup, the lander’s work had to be temporarily stopped. Nevertheless, the Senate’s directive is not a law, and the request to add a second company may not make much progress.
