**SpaceX’s Starship Programme Faces New Challenges After Recent Test Flight**
*Environment concerns and updated deadlines are causing anxiety for SpaceX’s Starship programme.*
SpaceX recently completed its second test flight, but there are new hurdles to overcome before the next launch. The approach taken by the private space company has drawn comparison to NASA’s methods, showing the differences in development styles.
**Development Styles: SpaceX vs. NASA**
According to Forczyk, a space expert, SpaceX’s development style involves testing and improving on previous attempts, seeking to do better with each effort. This method contrasts with NASA’s approach of thoroughly testing every component to perfection before launch. Despite criticisms, Phil Metzger, a planetary scientist, supports SpaceX’s development process, emphasizing its cost-effective and time-efficient nature.
**Regulatory and Environmental Concerns**
Before launching again, SpaceX will need a new launch license from the FAA. However, an ongoing lawsuit and environmental concerns near the launch site could result in a more rigorous review by the FAA. Despite the potential hurdles, Kamran, an aerospace engineer, believes that fewer concerns may be raised this time, leading to a faster approval.
**Target and Timeline**
SpaceX is targeting early 2024 for its third test flight, as per the company’s filing with the Federal Communications Commission. Elon Musk also mentioned readiness of Starship flight hardware in three to four weeks and discussed the goal of circumnavigating the world, reentering the atmosphere, and splashing down near Hawaii.
**Future Challenges and Plans**
SpaceX will need to conduct several successful test flights, including an uncrewed lunar landing, before involving human passengers. Notably, the company will have to launch multiple Starships for each Artemis mission, further adding to the complexity of the programme.
**The Road Ahead**
Despite the progress made between the first and second test flights, SpaceX is facing considerable challenges in ensuring the safety of crewed flights, especially with NASA and private partners involved. Forczyk acknowledges that with each test flight, the expectations and standards for SpaceX will need to be higher, to ensure efficient progress.
In conclusion, while SpaceX faces regulatory, environmental, and engineering challenges, the company is determined to push forward with its ambitious Starship programme.
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