SpaceX is preparing for a significant milestone, with plans for Starship to pass south of Tucson during future flight tests. This is part of the launch vehicle’s intended return-flight safety corridor, recently outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The proposed trajectory aims to minimize risks while accommodating temporary airspace closures.
Details of Starship’s Flight Path
The Starship, accompanied by its Super Heavy rocket booster, aims to demonstrate advanced reusable launch technology. After launch, both the spacecraft and booster will return to SpaceX’s facility at the southern tip of Texas. Starship will reenter the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, descending over northern Mexico before reaching its Gulf Coast destination.
Air Traffic Impact
The FAA’s recent draft assessment anticipates that up to 200 aircraft could face delays of around one hour during each reentry of the Starship. SpaceX seeks permission for up to 22 return flights each year, all scheduled for daylight hours. Although the FAA report does not specify which airports will be affected, the potential hazard area spans a considerable portion of Southern Arizona.
- Temporary reroutes for local air traffic between Southern California and Texas may occur.
- General aviation and military operations, particularly in areas like the Goldwater Air Force Range, could also be impacted.
Roberto Furfaro, an aerospace engineer at the University of Arizona, noted that while military operations might adapt more easily to these disruptions, commercial airlines face stricter limitations.
Upcoming Public Engagement
The FAA is collecting public feedback on its draft environmental assessment until October 20. A virtual meeting to discuss the document is scheduled for October 7, at 3 p.m. local time. The timeline for implementing the new return flight path remains uncertain, and both SpaceX and the FAA have not provided updates on actual launch dates.
Future Missions and Goals
The Starship program marks a pivotal step for SpaceX, which has ambitions for crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. Recent reports suggest the spacecraft could potentially attempt an orbital flight as soon as next year, contingent on the success of forthcoming suborbital launches.
SpaceX’s flight testing has seen a range of outcomes since 2023, with half of the 10 launches ending in failure. Nevertheless, following recent successes, further tests are planned. The next Starship Super Heavy launch is scheduled for October 13.
Academic Interest in Starship
Faculty members at the University of Arizona, including planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy, express enthusiasm for the upcoming flights. Reddy views the reentry of Starship as an educational opportunity for students, hoping to utilize telescopes for tracking the spacecraft. This endeavor combines educational goals with advancements in commercial spaceflight.
