FAA clears SpaceX for ninth Starship test flight after recent explosions. The agency announced its decision on Thursday, expanding hazard areas due to safety concerns from earlier flights.
The updated safety analysis now includes a hazard area covering around 1,600 nautical miles, stretching eastward from Texas through the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. This doubles the size of the previous hazard area used during the March test.
The FAA is also mandating that SpaceX conduct its upcoming flight during "non-peak" travel times. Flights 7 and 8 triggered significant disruptions, diverting numerous domestic and international flights. 
SpaceX has been testing the Starship system for two years at its southern Texas launch site. CEO Elon Musk claims the goal is to send humans to Mars. For now, Starship aims to boost SpaceX’s Starlink satellite launches.
Most recent Falcon 9 launches are heavily focused on Starlink. As demand surges, the Trump administration is reportedly encouraging other nations to adopt the service amid ongoing trade tensions.
Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is assisting the FAA in testing Starlink terminals, exploring solutions for the FAA’s air traffic control issues.
“SpaceX confirmed Wednesday that it is working with the FAA on various communications projects,” the agency mentioned.
Stay tuned for updates as SpaceX prepares for another test flight.
