On May 8, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX a significant boost by approving its request to increase the number of Starship launches from its Starbase facility in Texas from five to 25 per year. This decision comes after a series of setbacks for the company, which has faced challenges in its ambitious rocket development plans.
So far in 2025, SpaceX has launched two Starship rockets, but both ended in dramatic explosions, marking significant hurdles in the company’s goal to accelerate the spacecraft's development. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has expressed a desire for the company to achieve the 25-launch target, which would mean a launch every other week. However, with the current pace of launches, it remains uncertain if this goal can be reached this year.
Currently, SpaceX is working on debuting its new Block 2 second stage ship, which has undergone modifications. The previous two flights, designated Flight 7 and Flight 8, were intended to be straightforward suborbital missions. Yet, both vehicles suffered in-flight failures just before engine shutdown, leading to investigations into the causes.
Flight 7’s investigation concluded that the issues stemmed from the new propellant feed lines that were introduced in the Block 2 design. Unlike earlier models that utilized a single large feed line, the Block 2 version incorporates several smaller lines. The investigation into Flight 8 is still ongoing, and the results will likely affect the timeline for future launches, as the FAA requires clearance before any further test flights can proceed.
Despite these setbacks, SpaceX has been actively preparing for its ninth flight test, which is expected to occur sometime in May 2025. Preparations include conducting a "static fire" test of the rocket's upper stage, during which one of the vehicle's six Raptor engines was ignited. This test, performed on May 1, is a crucial step before the actual launch.
The FAA's approval to increase the annual launch limit is a notable victory for SpaceX. It allows the company to launch every other week from its site, where it is developing the massive Starship system that Musk envisions as a key to future Mars colonization. The FAA’s decision followed extensive public input and deliberation regarding the environmental impacts of such an increase.
In fact, the FAA received over 12,000 comments about the proposal to increase launch frequency. While the agency determined that the increased launches would not significantly impact the environment, it acknowledged that SpaceX's license application must still meet safety, risk, and financial responsibility requirements before any modifications are granted.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the increased launch frequency. Critics, including members of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, argue that the expansion will disrupt the community and harm local wildlife. They have called for a full Environmental Impact Statement to address these issues comprehensively.
On the other hand, supporters of the increased launch frequency emphasize the potential long-term benefits of space exploration and the importance of SpaceX’s operations in the region. They thank the local community for their patience and tolerance of the inconveniences associated with living near a busy space launch complex.
Compounding these challenges, the recent explosions during the first two flight tests of 2025 have raised questions about the reliability of the Starship system. The inaugural test on January 16 ended in an explosion due to a series of propellant leaks, while the most recent mishap on March 6 also resulted in a catastrophic failure just minutes into the flight. These incidents not only delayed the testing schedule but also caused significant disruptions, including the diversion of 500 commercial flights across Florida and the Caribbean.
As SpaceX prepares for its upcoming Flight 9, which will be the first launch to reuse a booster, the stakes are high. A successful launch could mark a turning point for the company, potentially allowing it to begin orbital Starship launches. This would enable the deployment of operational Starlink satellites and further the development of its refueling system, both essential for the Starship’s success and its partnership with NASA as a future lunar lander.
Starship is designed to be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, composed of both a 232-foot Super Heavy rocket and a 171-foot upper stage vehicle. Together, they stand over 400 feet tall, eclipsing SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which measures nearly 230 feet. SpaceX aims to use the Starship for a variety of missions, including carrying cargo and humans to Earth’s orbit and beyond.
Looking ahead, while the timeline for 2025 Starship launches remains uncertain, there is cautious optimism that if SpaceX can regain momentum, it may still achieve its ambitious launch goals. The company’s ability to adapt and learn from its recent setbacks will be critical. If Flight 9 succeeds, it may pave the way for a more aggressive launch schedule in the coming years, with hopes of reaching or even exceeding the 25-launch mark in 2026.
In summary, the FAA’s recent approval for increased Starship launches represents a pivotal moment for SpaceX, though the company still faces significant challenges ahead. With ongoing investigations and preparations for future flights, all eyes will be on SpaceX as it navigates these hurdles in pursuit of its ambitious goals.
