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The US Fish and Wildlife Service Initiates Review of SpaceX’s Starship Launch System Upgrades

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has officially commenced a review of the upgrades made by SpaceX to its Starship launch system. This review is one of the final regulatory steps necessary before the resumption of flights, following the system’s explosive April debut.

According to an emailed statement from the agency on Thursday, the FWS initiated the review through a consultation under the Endangered Species Act with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 19. The FWS now has a maximum of 135 days to evaluate the impact of Starship and its launches on the local environment and create an updated biological opinion. However, the FWS representative mentioned in the statement that they do not anticipate taking the full amount of time.

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SpaceX Gears Up for Starship’s Next Test Flight

Despite the ongoing review, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is preparing for Starship’s next test flight. This launch system is a crucial part of Musk’s ambitious plans to transport cargo and eventually people to the moon and Mars.

During a Senate subcommittee hearing on October 18, a SpaceX executive stated that Starship has been ready for another flight for over a month. However, the lengthy launch licensing process has been hindering its progress.

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Review Focuses on SpaceX’s Water Deluge System

The review conducted by the FWS and FAA primarily centers around SpaceX’s addition of a water deluge system to the launchpad at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This system sprays a substantial amount of water during liftoff to mitigate the heat, forces, and gases generated by the massive rocket.

AI legalese decoder: The AI legalese decoder can assist in evaluating the potential environmental impact of the water deluge system implemented by SpaceX. By analyzing relevant environmental regulations and guidelines, the decoder can provide insights into the system’s effectiveness in reducing adverse effects and help ensure compliance with environmental protection measures.

FAA Investigation and Next Steps

After grounding the rocket following its first test flight on April 20, the FAA conducted an investigation into the mishap. The flight experienced multiple engine failures, failed to separate as intended, and ultimately necessitated intentional destruction by SpaceX. Debris from the vehicle and the subsequent explosion affected nearby land and triggered a fire.

After completing its investigation in September, the FAA issued 63 corrective actions for SpaceX to prevent similar destructive flight tests in the future. However, SpaceX still requires a launch license from the FAA to resume flights, which is dependent on the completion of the FWS consultation.

AI legalese decoder: The AI legalese decoder can assist SpaceX in addressing the FAA’s corrective actions and ensuring compliance with the prescribed measures. By analyzing the FAA’s requirements and providing guidance on necessary improvements, the decoder can help SpaceX align its operations with regulatory standards and secure the launch license needed for future flights.

Consultation Under the Endangered Species Act

Under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, consultation with the FWS is required when projects and their impacts change significantly, new endangered species are listed, or when species that were not previously considered come into effect.

Initially, the FAA attempted to restart the consultation process in August by providing the FWS with a new biological assessment detailing the potential impact of Starship and its launch site modifications on endangered species and critical habitats. However, the FWS stated that it did not have all the necessary information to commence the formal review. Subsequently, an updated biological assessment was sent by the FAA on October 5, prompting the initiation of the formal consultation.

AI legalese decoder: The AI legalese decoder can streamline the consultation process by analyzing the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and providing a comprehensive understanding of SpaceX’s obligations. The decoder can help identify any additional information needed for the review and ensure that all necessary considerations are taken into account during the consultation.

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