In today's episode, we'll talk about SpaceX's renewed vigor in rocket testing at Boca Chica, Texas, and how federal regulations are impacting its schedule. On the one hand, SpaceX has been working diligently on Starship's second test flight, even as it encounters regulatory delays. On the other, it has to clear some regulatory hurdles with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
According to the Coast Guard, mariners have been warned about rocket launch activities near Boca Chica Beach slated for November. The notice, though not mentioning SpaceX by name, highlights "scheduled rocket launching activities" that could cause navigational issues due to "free-falling debris." This hints at a potential date for SpaceX's next Starship test flight.
Another angle of the regulatory tale is SpaceX's public disagreements with the FAA. After a contentious Senate hearing, SpaceX and other space companies bemoaned the FAA's inadequacies, particularly regarding their inability to expediently handle licensing operations. As part of this waiting game, FWS officials have recently visited the Boca Chica test site, indicating that regulatory evaluations are in progress.