Bad news for SpaceX Starship’s Future…?

FAA Statement (Sept. 11, 2024)
SpaceX’s current license authorizing the Starship Flight 4 launch also allows for multiple flights of the same vehicle configuration and mission profile. SpaceX chose to modify both for its proposed Starship Flight 5 launch which triggered a more in-depth review. In addition, SpaceX submitted new information in mid-August detailing how the environmental impact of Flight 5 will cover a larger area than previously reviewed. This requires the FAA to consult with other agencies.
SpaceX must meet all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements prior to FAA launch authorization. A final license determination for Starship Flight 5 is not expected before late November 2024.The immediate headline is that the Starship launch is likely delayed until November at the earliest due to the FAA continually dragging it out.
The long term outlook however is much more dire.
SpaceX is being unfairly blocked by bad actors and detractors.
This IS a problem. This IS going to impact our return to the moon, journey to Mars, and overall competitiveness as a nation.
The first nation with a company (SpaceX) to make private, commercial spaceflight a thing, may I add.
I hope you share this video, SpaceX has put together a very compelling argument.
Thank you for supporting my channel.
My channel started as a way to keep people up to date on the world of SpaceX's Starlink, the satellite internet service. The channel has grown to include the broader Elon Musk universe.
#SpaceX #starship #elonmusk #starbase
Your support for my channel means a lot. Thanks for watching and if you have any video ideas, shoot me an email, [e-mail].
Find me on instagram, @elianainspace
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[@ross077]

The root cause of this delay is poor implementation of the FAA Part 450 regulations which aim to streamline commercial spaceflight rules. The safety and environmental aspects of the regs are misaligned, frivolous and open to frankly ridiculous misinterpretation. Very frustrating!

[@goldengoat1737]

The FAA is supposed to protect the public from danger that’s it!! Same with the police somehow those fundamentals have been lost

[@cerieti]

Thanks you explained what was not explained in a 20 min video.

[@mitchcumstein9808]

No this is political

[@ncdave4life]

Another problem is CNBC and a story they ran by a reporter named Lora Kolodny, who seems to absolutely _HATE_ Elon. Her story falsely claimed that Starship launches cause mercury pollution. Ms. Kolodny has an English degree, with a focus on creative writing. I'll bet that neither she nor her editors have ever darkened the doorway of a science classroom, and they don't understand that burning methane and LOX cannot create or release mercury (which is something that cannot be said with as much certainty about the Al-based SRBs used by some other rocket companies). Why do major news organizations task scientifically illiterate people, with no STEM credentials, to work as "science journalists?" Is it just because they're cheaper to hire?

[@fullsenderman8291]

​@mitchcumstein9808 damn right it is

[@stanleykelley4284]

Why do they investigate SpaceX, but starliner is able to go to the space station, knowing that thrusters didn't work right? Don't sound Right, don't pass the smell test.😮

[@russell7489]

and starliner is all but grounded no doubt after gov't review of boeing showing that they haired an insufficent no of unskilled laborers, no doubt to save money, just as they have with every other project they have run into the ground since their merger provided golden parachutes for the actual boeing engineers who ran the co, and are now enjoying their fat pay offs in retirement. Starliner and Boeings planes aren't getting any joy from gov't until they revert to old Boeing production standards, rehire hundreds of retirees at no doubt huge salaries to get them back at work, and spend years training up new staff and manager, oh, and hiring engineers. starliner may well not fly again until late 2026 at best.

[@danielch6662]

How many times did Starliner crash? Zero! Did they have problems? Yes. Did they blow up on the ground? No. Did their rockets flew out of control away from planned flight paths? No. A possible problem was detected. Then they simulated and tested on the ground to gather data on if the ship could still fly back safely, thought it could, but NASA decided just to be safe, they would not try, and Starliner flew back empty, and it turned out Boeing was right after all. Still, there will now be months/years delay while Boeing try to prove to everybody they fixed all problems. SpaceX is blowing up rockets left and right, but every time it happens, it's cult cheers and call it a success. It is a learning experience. How come SpaceX gets to iterate after each failure but other companies face years of delay after each accident? No other company get to just shrug it off, and then just try again the next week. But usually, other companies are very slow and careful. SpaceX is different. Nobody's lives were at risk, the rockets were not crewed. So let's crash a few more.

[@hcf1956]

The backroom money changing hands. Pigs feeding at the trough. Boeing and Bozo.

[@javiervasquez29]

​@@danielch6662 Blown rockets with no people. There's a difference. Do better next time with your apple to oranges comparisons you won't get far.

[@smassky]

​@@danielch6662 starship isn't Docking to the iss without multiple successful flights. How many times has starliner flown? If something went wrong with Starliner it could have damaged the ISS, got stuck in space, or came down somewhere it wasn't supposed to. If starliner had done multiple uncrewed tests, and didn't dock to the iss and had the same issues it probably wouldn't have been such a big deal, but instead they launched it with crew on it, with known issues.

[@ronbolejack1803]

The FAA's answer is totally unacceptable, and the time they say they're taking to issue a license is also completely unacceptable as well. We've got to do better. It shouldn't be the government against the people and against progress in space for any bogus reasons

[@newsgetsold]

It's an agenda from the left to get back at Musk.

If you think this is about "Government against progress" and not "Profit at all costs, even knowingly causing damage to the environment", I don't know what to tell you.

[@yedidyah-jedshlomoh1533]

Drinking water causing damage to the environment? lol

[@mbukukanyau]

@@ronbolejack1803 There is talk of trying to wrestle control of Space X from Elon Musk, basically rationalization. It's just pathetic

[@cokdnlokd1238]

Anyone on the FAA's side in this case is obviously blinded by EDS or TDS or, are just unable to separate reality from the fantasy world they live in.

[@Workingcinderellaman-jw2pf]

Also, the FAA shouldn't be doing the EPA's job. If there is an environmental issue, why on earth would the FAA have any jurisdiction? Perhaps we should get rid of the EPA if they're being replaced by the FAA.

[@longshot7601]

I can not wait for Elon to be on a panel for goverment efficiency. You can bet the first place he's going to stick the enema probe will be the FAA.

[@jtjames79]

Normally that, but the FAA doesn't use the same standards or protocols as the EPA, so a lot of it has to be done twice.

[@danielch6662]

Or ... the left hand of the government is working together with it's right hand instead of independently and at cross purposes. Imagine a weird universe where the EPA sees a problem, and they contact another gov agency that has regulatory authority, and ask them to help. Crazy. Right? 😊

[@asdfasdfasdfae]

@@longshot7601 Not after last night's debate he won't.

[@Workingcinderellaman-jw2pf]

@@jtjames79 Missing my point. It's not their job to check for contaminated waste water. Do they also make sure SpaceX is paying their federal taxes?

[@markmiller-kj8go]

Totally political, it shouldn't matter who Elon votes for,he has said he voted Demorat in the past but i have still always cheered him on and admired his drive.

[@ihatemybosses]

All he has to do is change his gender, only hire non binary, volunteer for a 110 percent tax rate and vote for Commissar "Heels up Harris" The light will break through the clouds with a red carpet with no regulations.

[@TaylerKnox]

Ford was a NAZI who fought to arm the NAZIs while delaying US defense. We’ve seen Musk before.

[@MarsOzzie]

I'll be laughing when china lands a man on Mars first

[@fatherof4kids]

You are right. Our government is corrupt but the democrats are worse. The government loved him as long as he voted democrat. Now that he backed Trump they hate him. They are like entitled children throwing tantrums. I liked Elon no matter who he backed. He does a lot of good for this country. Democrats will end up ruining this country.

[@dionysus2006]

A little less hatred please

[@ghost307]

I have some experience with agency delays. In the case where an agency could call for a 30-day delay, they coordinate with other agencies so on day 28 a different agency calls for a 30-day delay. I was on 1 job where there were 6 agencies that had 60 days to complete their reviews, and after the 1st agency started its review the next wouldn't start until the first agency had completed their review. All told, the reviews that could have been concurrent in a maximum of 60 days ended up delaying the project for a full year. Additional shenanigans resulted in a total delay of almost 4 years.

[@Oliva7712]

they are corrupted government officials... they shouldn't be allowed to serve in government seat

[@larrydugan1441]

I absolutely believe this to be true.

[@nightshift5201]

F**king bureaucrats. Guaranteed income. And we're paying them.

[@MichaelWinter-ss6lx]

That is the innovation speed that we are used to by the big gov. contractors! Don't let any newbies try disturb them.

[@praveenweerasundara619]

I hate that this is how things are run

[@creativemodels3830]

The FAA must be getting outside pressure to slow down SpaceX. We can find a number of Companies that would love to see Starship fail. Everyone in the US forgets that there are a number of nations that would love to have SpaceX , so what happens when all the jobs and infrastructure leave the US. If the US does not smarten up this could become a reality and some other country will be the first to space .

[@cryptoico2647]

Already happening. China is pumping rockets to space like there is no tomorrow. They are also testing reusable rockets like SpaceX. At this rate, China might be the one with a working Starship before SpaceX 😂

[@omonkkonen6676]

There is always a possibility to change launch area to military purposes having national security functions. No permits needed.

[@brianw612]

Just like US based airlines, Space X requires an FAA license anywhere on earth. They could move operations to another country, but the FAA would still determine what they can do.

[@littlewink7941]

@@brianw612 Not really,only US based entities are subject to FAA oversight.

[@MrGeneralScar]

@@littlewink7941 SpaceX would need to not only move all operations, but totally move all thier business entities outside of the USA into another country. Even then since they are a rocket launch provider, ITAR may prevent them from taking any rocket tech they have developed in the USA with them. So while they are still an US corporation, even if all thier physical buildings and operations are not in the USA, they would still need FAA approval to launch.

[@mbukukanyau]

Political retaliation is not acceptable. This needs to stop

[@thomasnewton9818]

And yet they fully expect SpaceX to rescue NASA astronauts from the space station.

[@kud_dukan]

What does that have to do with Starship?

[@danharold3087]

@@kud_dukan I agree in that 'rescue' is being accomplished as part of an existing contract. But nor is it difficult to see where a person might see SpaceX as playing nice with the government while the same government is dumping on it. I might add that SpaceX has driven down launch costs to where it is saving everyone needing access to space collectively many billions of dollars annually. While this is helping organizations needing launch services it is hurting traditional launch providers, who have more pull in Washington than SpaceX. One might even speculate that the traditional launch providers involved with the current space program need to make SpaceX appear to be the weak link holding up the moon mission. Not saying this is happening. But the mechanism is in place for it to be happening.

[@dionysus2006]

They should charge $500M per seat to bring Butch and Suni back. Use SLS as their business model.

[@lawrenceallen8096]

Simple solution: "Gee, after seeing an NBC news report about Starliner endangering the ISS and 2 astronauts, we have safety concerns about all our US government payload missions, since Boeing and other contractors who built the Starliner also built NASA and DOD payloads. Therefore, we're putting them on hold until we can do a complete safety assessment." Shut down all NASA and DOD launches: No crew missions to the ISS, no rescue missions, no cargo missions until our safety review is completed." No satellites. No nothing. "All under review." Until the FAA authorizes Starship 5.

[@hankelvisimpersonator2832]

@@kud_dukan At 17:28 Ellie said "SpaceX is being unfairly targetted". She didn't say Starship was being unfairly targetted. So @thomasnewton9818 comment is absolutely valid. Follow the conversation threads rather than just finding things to whine about.

[@jaym8257]

Yeah, the government doesn't like Elon. That's the way it goes in our country now.

[@kaukokyyla8058]

well spacex divide funds from boeing and lockhead. and it have effects in many senators income

[@EmsXGuitar]

I can't think why...

[@nerufer]

time for Elon to become part of the government ;-) and start deleting some regulation.

​@@nerufer That's literally the worst thing that could happen.

[@wildwatashi]

@@nerufer I really hope he gets the chance to do this. The government is way too bloated and overbearing. This is supposed to be a free country.

[@slartybarfastb3648]

Every time an 'environmental group' aka Boeing/Gates proxy files a friviolous lawsuit, I eat a dozen sea turtle eggs, burn a barrel of crude oil, and spray a can of freon into the air.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Pave some whales, too. 🤭🤭🤭

[@Codysdab]

In the UK they've started add plastic ties to bottle caps so you recycle them. Which I always did, but since they've added it, treating me like a child, I'm now acting like a child and throwing them in the bin. I hate all this nannying ideology that environmental groups push us to suffer.

[@Tyani-sz6cg]

Gates? You mean Bezos?

[@magnusoptimus2052]

....and I eat more beans so I can fart incessantly.

[@Mark.Brindle]

What has Gates got to do with it? I think you mean Bezos.

[@michaelslack4937]

This was done to favor blue origin...politics from start to absurd finish

[@Workingcinderellaman-jw2pf]

This is getting really stupid. Why does the FAA have so much power here and why don't they want Starship to fly?

[@DawnJones-z5x]

I’d like to know the same thing

[@Virtueman1]

Because americans have voted for a hundred years to move the country gradually away from its founding principles of freedom for citizens, to a country with high taxes and govt control of the economy.

[@thomaskalbfus2005]

Because he supported Donald Trump for President! The Biden Administration has given as much help to Boeing as it could, and Boeing has raked in those government dollars building SLS and Starliner slowly and with cost overruns!

[@nathanc3189]

because elon publicly speaks out against the current administration so they punish him with beurocracy because they cant sensor twitter anymore. its fucking disgraceful

[@TaylerKnox]

FAA is trying to protect an entire transportation industry and not one man’s ego.

[@philippeaudoire3368]

Bureaucracy is a killer to entrepreneurs

[@MarsOzzie]

It all went backwards after JFK

[@ReverendGreg]

Sure, that's the reason the US leads the rest of the world in innovations.

[@unclelurk1556]

Yeah, whatever. The bureaucracy you hate was created because humans do the wrong thing REPEATEDLY. Entrepreneurs are not altruistic.

[@lummoxx8586]

@@ReverendGreg Not so much any more.

[@krzysztofkowalski2816]

Mamagement is needed Even with the new P.eng folk.

[@erniesmith2579]

SpaceX launch operations are the most environmentally friendly in history. By an enormous margin.

[@MrX-zz2vk]

If you don't believe politics are involved in this(particularly presidential politics)then i have a suspension bridge on Mars I'd like to sell you.

[@gasdive]

The FAA is a fully owned subsidiary of Boeing

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

What? maybe in the past but now? it's the current administration.

[@gasdive]

@@ExploringCabinsandMines you know the door blew out during the current adminstration right?

[@tjmcguire9417]

Yup. You have it. If you wish, read my recent comment.

[@littlewink7941]

Why do Americans always assume that any government agency is bad for business and wants nothing more than to hamper and hinder any enterprise? Except for the military which can do no wrong!

[@raisoreo]

Message to FAA: LET STARSHIP FLY! Cheers!

[@myyklmax]

FAA is trying to avoid negative actions (more legal probl ma)!directed at them, if they don't slow down or limit SpaceX productions and operational developments. Other competitors cannot compete with SpaceX unless they get assistance to put speed bumps in SpaceX's development path

[@lesgamester7356]

Bezos probably sueing again.

[@michaeldemarco9950]

The FFA has been hindering Starship since early 2021. Coincidences? I think not.

[@jake2may1]

It’s a level playing field “free Market” until an agency like the FAA starts meddling in business they have no expertise in.

[@redneckcoder]

@@michaeldemarco9950 Hey the FFA (Future Farmers of America) has done no such thing!

[@gkankava]

So, the best way to achieve his goals would be for Mask and his companies to leave the United States for some other, more friendly place. Mask is married to his idea of human beings' reaching Mars, not to the United States.

[@sagecoach]

Very worried about the delays. We the people are being hurt in many ways by the delay. We need this new economy badly. Your reading is much appreciated for its accuracy and understandability. News like this is that important.

[@miltonmoore3327]

I am totally disgusted with the regulatory process becoming so cumbersom. Especially when the rules change mid process because some mis contents make false acusations that are ourright lies. If I were Elon, I would be moving my operations to a more friendly environment where the regulators do their jobs rather than liten to false claims of malcontents. Maybe he should put the Crew 9 flight to the ISS on hold until this licence is granted.

[@CosmosJack]

The exact same tactics are used against the nuclear industry. It took 4 years to develop (!!) and build the first plant in the 50s. It now takes 16 years at over 10x the cost (construction cost goes as the square of time). Environmentalist groups were funded by Big Oil in the early '70s to protest nuclear, and they influenced lawyers/regulators to make nuclear economically uncompetitive (it was even competitive with hydroelectric in the Pacific Northwest, the cheapest electricity!) Korea and China are building nuclear power plants in 3 years. Edit: incidentally, the US power grid would have been decarbonized by the '90s if the rate of orders for new nuclear plants in the late '60s was allowed to continue.

[@lesgamester7356]

Same with the electric cars in Californa in the 1990's.

[@MichaelWinter-ss6lx]

The nuclear waste is the only valid issue against nuclear power, but that is a huge issue. Newer reactors can 'burn' on the waste, resulting in only 100 years of nuclear waste. That is manageable. These 'new' reactors were first tested in the 1960s!! 🚀🏴‍☠️🎸

[@VoodooCrab]

They made that TV movie after Three Mile Island and created irrational fear in multiple generations.

[@slink4956]

@@VoodooCrab Oh, you mean that huge "disaster" which released the same amount of ionizing radiation as a couple of x-rays conducted in a hospital?

[@CosmosJack]

​@@MichaelWinter-ss6lx Nuclear waste is not a technical issue, it's a regulatory issue. The military is allowed to bury their waste in New Mexico. Civilians have been blocked from storing waste at Yucca Mt. in Nevada since the 70s. Those Big Oil-funded environmentalists had waste disposal blocked, then complained there's nowhere to store the waste. It's as if a city banned parking then complained there's a car storage problem. The best way to dispose of nuclear waste is to glassify it (cook and dilute it into water-insoluble glass rods), put those in stainless steel cans, and drop them in the ocean. They bury themselves 100 meters into mud on a seafloor that's been geologically stable for 100 million years. But this too has been banned.

[@obiwanceleri]

I have to second the feeling in the comments : I wonder if SpaceX would have it's FAA papers if Elon sided politically with the democrats.

[@rodtolosa4594]

Great job Ellie! Thanks for reading this to me like a bedtime story… while a lay down with my eyes closed tentatively listening to SpaceX’s elaborate and justified defense of their perfectly safe and professional operations in Boca Chica. The FAA is thwarting progress for NASA, SpaceX, the Artemis program, and space exploration overall!

[@ellieinspace]

Haha I love this comment

[@flashpackets9900]

Where was the FAA when Boeing desperately needed someone to tell them their valves were crap --- 10 years ago? The FAA has no business being in the space business.

[@harrykeel8557]

Completely politically motivated, due to the Mr. Besos wants to launch and land his new rocket first before SpaceX tries to launch a catch the Super Heavy booster.

[@Vinlaell]

Spacex's contractually obligated to have a moon lander starship in 2 years and yet another arm of the government is saying no you can't develop it but you better have it ready?

[@VoodooCrab]

Kinda sounds like an extortion setup.

[@georgesroux520]

The FAA is hindering SpaceX ambitions?

[@lawrenceallen8096]

Bezos gives $$$ to Democrats, Musk talks with Trump. Does it need to get any more complicated than that?

[@dionysus2006]

Big time because the FAA is lazy. They don't work nearly as hard as SpaceX

[@ahhmm5381]

SpaceX Is under government contract, so this doesn't make much sense

[@javaman4584]

If the government doesn't stop kneecapping Starship testing the HLS will not be ready and Artemis will be seriously delayed or canceled.

[@danharold3087]

At it will not be the fault of the Boeing and the rest of the ULA. The plan?

[@russell7489]

the gov't dosen't care about the moon, mars or anything past geo sync. if it don't happen, it's more tax dollars to throw at their favorite pork. elon gave them the reason they wanted to put the brakes on, he stopped being a CEO and challanged them in the political arena

[@darwinboor1300]

Correct!

[@littlewink7941]

Artemis is currently barely moving and is unlikely to operational much before the end of the decade if then, and as for setting up a permanent lunar base look to China.

[@goldgamercommenting2990]

@@littlewink7941 I mean China doesn’t even have a crewed lunar rocket yet For now we have plenty of time But the FAA halting starship and our future moon missions for Artemis….. THEY DOOMED US ALL TO BUDGET CUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ExcessumGaming]

As much as I hate Trump for hes views and bad influence on global politics, I can 100% understand why Elon is not pro Democrats anymore in this case.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

If you take information from anyone's enemies you will hate him.

[@larrydugan1441]

Yeah. That no more foreign wars is really bad Trump policy.

[@JoseyWales44s]

Economic prosperity, lower taxes, free speech, no wars, a secure border and a bulwark against cultural Marxism isn't as scary as you've been told,

[@RR-or5ip]

Bad influences....open your eyes Stevie Wonder.....we have more war and BS going on now ever since the Orange man left office. There was relative peace when the Orange man was in office.

[@TradeWithShawn]

I'm not American or in America, so please enlighten us outside of your country. What bad influence on global politics?

[@tombest6283]

Really like how you are working so hard to keep up! There have been so many delays/changes etc...and thanks to you I'm able to stay informed. Thanks!

[@ellieinspace]

You are so welcome! Trust me, I am tired 😴 but I can’t sleep on breaking news

[@dextermorgan1]

Tell them Space X isn't rescuing anybody until Starship is approved to fly. It wouldn't take long at all to get the approval.

[@junlingma1809]

Your suggestion is like kidnapping Butch and Suni. What did they do wrong to deserve it?

[@wtburns01]

​@@junlingma1809No one forced Butch and Sonny to jump in a van at gunpoint. You're analogy is completely off base.

[@MrGeneralScar]

Or just tell them, the rescue mission will cost $6.2 billion... Or 1x unrestricted Starship launch license until 2027 out of Boca... Thier choice. Would be nice, but its not NASA that holding them up its the FAA. And its NASA that are in trouble due to Boeing's home brand capsule.

[@lorencehill5724]

It sounds like the FAA is trying to make it as difficult as possible for SpaceX to launch. So the question is, who's behind it. I have my picks.

[@susuhtwe7228]

Blue is behind 😡😡😡

[@Oliva7712]

I guess Kamala and Biden are behind this BS.... or the Head of FAA is a democrat who is acting on Kamala and Bedin side...

[@SupremeOverlord10]

This government serves itself. Not the people, or the betterment of humanity.

[@EmergentStardust]

I had a business that designed and built planetariums. Planetariums depend on public funding. Dealing with the bureaucracy was so wildly inefficient that it became the most difficult part of the business. On the technology side we managed to build planetariums for a quarter of the cost of our competitors, but that ended up not being the most important variable. The permitting and bidding processes were like a comedy TV show.

[@PapaBear5x5]

As much as I love our country, it sure sucks sometimes

[@nicothirion433]

Does this have anything to do with the US election taking place in November and Elon no longer supporting the current government? 🤔

[@simonfisher836]

Its complete nonsense, the launch site is literally in the middle of nowhere. What environmental conditions have changed since the last launch, or the one before that? Ridiculous!

[@cryptoico2647]

They have rare worms over there and the worms are complaining to the FAA about not able to sleep because of the loud rocket noise

[@stanley8574]

​@@cryptoico2647 Well unfortunately they are not so rare now but those democrat worms like to complain.

[@ExcessumGaming]

Honestly at this point they should just ignore FFA...

[@rorykeegan1895]

He tried that, I would put money on that is why he has problems with them now.

[@Oblivionsurveyor]

Hopefully the FAA does not stop SpaceX from rescuing the crew stranded on the international space station. The FAA has clearly been co-opted to slow private space technology progression.

[@raytribble8075]

I know you don’t like it on your channel… but, this smells like politics.

[@redneckcoder]

This is politics.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*_"Where there's smoke, there's fire."_*

[@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry]

Politics is policy, this is 100% that

[@rickcullarn1347]

Elon makes genius space ships. Elon makes idiotic Politics. This is Weird!

[@mrwe9838]

Just launch and have the faa pull their licenses. Then we'll see how nasa and the military get to space.

[@allanlansdowne340]

Elon Musk should give the FAA an ultimatum, no flights to the ISS until you get off my back hindering SpaceX.

[@offgridprep]

This is politically motivated period

[@drh43]

The Federales are absolutely not targeting Musk, SpaceX, and his other companies due to his recent political activity and you should feel guilty for noticing a pattern.

[@wtburns01]

/s

[@slink4956]

For sure, our government is 100% not corrupt. Everyone knows that.

[@linasvelavicius330]

Thank you Ellie for reading SpaceX's public statement. It's thorough and clearly presents the issue, definitely worth the read.

[@Mako2401]

We all know why it was delayed. LEt's not pretend.

[@sfinami]

This is what happens when your CEO is a conservative and God forbid, a Trump supporter! They (FAA) know exactly what they are doing!!!!

[@Wirmish]

But for most of his live Musk was a Democrat. He voted for Obama, Clinton, and Biden. So why do they hate him?

[@dscarty]

The same thing happened at the Tesla plant in Germany. There were complaints and work was delayed for public comment. If we had a train that ran this way no one would ever get anywhere.

[@kenfischer3134]

Amtrak?

[@rocketkenOG]

Ellie, you read really well, first-rate. The delays imposed on Starship are ridiculous and politically driven. I expect that nonsense to go away early next year..

[@Clarence61962]

The Democrats are f-n with Elon

[@WarrenLacefield]

I understand that the rocket industry is booming and the FAA rocket certification division (and, yes, the entire FAA on which we greatly depend) is way understaffed and underfunded. And also that the FAA is not the only regulatory agency in that situation involved. Politics. Nevertheless, I think its treatment of SpaceX at Boca Chica from the beginning has been more sensitive to fringe claims than to national security, R&D, and economic interests. I believe most people thought that environmental issues were settled and flight permits for at least several launches were already issued. Waiting until each launch is ready; until each past incident is totally documented, argued, and resolved; or listening to last minute complaints (e.g., about possible potable water washing impurities, etc.); and then issuing lengthy launch holds - wasting thousands of people's lifetimes and millions of dollars in equity and labor - is simply ridiculous and should stop.

[@keithrobert1413]

Folks blatently against SpaceX, love citing whow Artemis is not going to launch on time. It is frustrating knowing that Starship would have been fully operational by now, and falcon nine capable of delivering peope to private space stations etc, if The FAA could have kept up with permits on time. The only competition Spacex has is the FAA, not China.

[@Gary-u5e]

It sounds like Space-X is doing everything possible to ensure no harm comes to the surrounding areas . I think listening to this Space-X has gone beyond what is expected on safety and the environment . There seems to be far too much bureaucracy and red tape for something that ultimately if successful will ensure the continuation of humans by making them inter-planetary . I believe the FAA has grown too large and has too much reach and would benefit from being slimmed down and streamlined .

[@ahhmm5381]

Maybe do your own research? Elon has a long history of giving zero f***s about anyone but himself...

[@rorykeegan1895]

Really? Elon launched without permission. He decided to thumb his nose at the FAA years ago. They decided to show him whose boss. Its not Elon, its the FAA. He needs to get that through his head and turn on the charm, not the disgruntled brat mode. He could have avoided 95% of the issues Space X have had. I know the FAA I worked on the certification of the A320 in the States, the FAA are totally independent of political or commercial pressure and Elon doesn't understand that. BTW that press release just bought him another few months of delays.

[@Gary-u5e]

@@rorykeegan1895 If as You say "the FAA are totally independent of political or commercial pressure " then why in the next sentence would You say "BTW that press release just bought him another few months of delays " Hmmm 🤔

[@terrymorrison2969]

The current administration doesn't want significant positive press for Elon before the election.

[@jbanannas]

Too many agencies involved as people that want to slow down or impede SpX have far too many ways to do it. The FAA should be the only Dept to rule, including issues on Environment, safety and the rules to follow.

[@johnbuchman4854]

When Elon starts his Trump administration job, I'm thinking that the FAA might get some scrutiny...

[@christopherstubbs8130]

Let's be honest, this sort of stuff has been going on since the 10km hop days. Something has to have happened behind the scenes for SpaceX to publicly give the FAA both barrels.

[@jimpiaz9537]

Thank you so much ellie

[@Donald.Archer]

All the delays put together has pushed space X years backwards in productivity.

[@Plumboperator]

The FAA is in Boeing’s pocket

[@slartybarfastb3648]

No, this is just government doing what government does. Yet people vote for bigger government regardless.

[@paulstubbe7108]

Do you think it’s backlash for backing Trump

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

I suspect as much.

[@observer7070]

Basically... SpaceX: Ok we have these approvals so far. You have safety and environmental concerns. Tell us, we will fix them. FAA (+others): Dont need to change anything but I need you to have this yet additional permit under this other law and also an additional 60day default consultation period.

[@wonderer2828]

It is time for an executive order in the interest of national security to allow Starship to fly as soon as it is ready.

[@wonderer2828]

Further, it is reasonable that the federal and Texas authorities continue examining concerns raised in parallel with flight operations, and that any additional required mitigations be prioritized and that implementation be leveraged against future flights on a continuing basis. The thought here is an iterative adaptive process for compliance that mirrors in some ways the approach SpaceX has taken in pushing technological innovation.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

An _EXECUTIVE ORDER_ from _THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION?_ G.F.L. with that one.

[@maximusdecimusmeridius5438]

I bet the delay is politically motivated because of Elons open support for Trump.

[@suchdevelopments]

😁🤗 Ellie, Thanks! I applied to NASA in 1974 to be an astronaut in the Apollo Space Program. I became an engineer. - Ian Cleland

[@krzysztofkowalski2816]

Engineer today is the only job

[@StarshipToTheMars]

As much I hate Trump I hope he gets voted and he ends this FAA bulshit together with Elon

[@kurtgain2978]

You have to ask yourself, self, what changed between the last launch and now? The inconvenient truth is that Elon Musk announced his support for Donald Trump!

[@EveryoneWhoUsesThisTV]

Yea, no wise public figure shows favor to a political party... It's like being the guy in the office who always talks about his politics, you get fired more and hired less.

[@rorykeegan1895]

Really? Weren't giving him any problems before? What did the unlicensed launch cost him in delays do you think? Elon pissed off every single employee at the FAA and his press release now won't improve that one bit. Maybe even Shotwell won't be able to sort this one out. BTW I see them turning down the expansion to x 25 launches a year based on their response.

[@VoodooCrab]

@@EveryoneWhoUsesThisTV Elon and SpaceX fans obviously need Trump to win.

[@jonasreyes8557]

This is the best example of government over-regulation and why D.O.G.E. (the Department of Government Efficiency) is necessary.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

What we have now is: The Department of Redundancy Department...😉

[@connecticutaggie]

I think the big disconnect is not fundamentally with the FAA but the regulatory approval process for Commercial rocket launches. Congress gave the FAA 180 days and SpaceX wants it to be faster. I am really not sure how to resolve that as the 180 day limit is a one-size-fits-all approach and some approvals will be more complex and take longer.. Another thing to note is that I said "Commercial rocket launches" since neither NASA nor Military rocket launches require FAA permits. This is a double standard and is not consistent with NASA's plan to stop building their own rockets.

[@Hill_null]

It’s all political. Someone doesn’t like Elon political opinion and so they want his goals to suffer.

[@favesongslist]

The third runway consultations at London's Heathrow airport were reopened in December 2006. despite the massive financial benefits to the UK, there is still no sign of anything happening except for yet another consultation. Sadly Starship is lucky to have just a 4 months delay when politics gets involved.

[@rb8049]

And Elon wouldn’t recommend cutting out a large part of the FAA after this?

[@danharold3087]

LOL wow no chance of that.

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

There are some strategic implications from these delays, this is very counter productive for the US. Maybe it’s time for a revamping of these procedures and those who enforce them.😊

[@staticfl99]

F J B

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

L G B

[@UnderOpenSkies]

Because Elon said he will join trump in cutting government waste, Elon said the response would be strong.

[@TropicalGardenGuy]

Its Politics ! Everybody Vote in November

[@krzysztofkowalski2816]

The circus crew can take a break. Let people walk to a store without death

[@wombatillo]

The FAA clearly can't handle a couple launch requests per month let alone a hundred which is coming sooner than people believe.

[@Optimusbeard-r7q]

Clearly someone is trying hard not to make Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) a reality😂😂😂😂

[@paulbradford6475]

The FAA, EPA and the TECQ: working hard to eff-up a smooth operation.

[@carlbrown5150]

The enviros at the EPA and FAA need a budget cut.!!😉

[@whatcouldgowrong7914]

They will the first to be cut off under Trump

[@timothylewissr.5080]

Elon, sue them for libel and slander. Only way to stop false news. I know.... that takes time too...

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Thank you Ellie, fab read. Loved the friendly interjections. Have you a link to any audio-book work?

[@robertpatric6652]

What environmental regulations or studies have been done for the Airforce and Navy planes that produce sonic booms? Ridiculous interference by the FAA.

[@lesgamester7356]

Can see Mr Musk relocating abroad if this political carries on. He can already land on a boat a sea, maybe he can launch at sea as well. If not, other countries would be delighted to see him relocate. Anyway, thanks for the post. Loved your launch coverage.

[@stevepirie8130]

US laws would prevent him taking technology away from the homeland. He did say a few years ago it appeared he made a mistake having his company in the USA.

[@danharold3087]

@@stevepirie8130 When did Elon say he made a mistake locating in the USA? Source Please

[@joshua43214]

He would not only have to overcome ITAR issues, he would need to go someplace with a workforce that can build his vision. That someplace would have to have less regulations and paranoia about the environment than the USA. That would be an extremely short list, I can't offhand think of anyplace that fits the bill

[@stevepirie8130]

@@danharold3087 you’re asking now lol, I recall first time reported by every astronaut back pre covid so long time in their crazy tempo. He has said it publicly numerous times in the past when red tape pushed back.

[@ralphm6901]

@@joshua43214 assuming they could overcome ITAR, could they use the European Space Agency launch site at Kourou in French Guiana??

[@danwhiffen9235]

Appreciate you reading out!

[@062241kdp]

Trump will set Elon free!

[@justsmartenough]

As much as this seems like the FAAs actions are politically driven I actually think this is just par for the course for our government. Government agencies are extremely slow when completing routine tasks, and are borderline incapable of doing something outside of their normal scope. Most companies are almost as slow so it normally doesnt matter, but the government can’t handle the light speed that SpaceX operates.

[@charleslaine]

Too many paper pushers, too many regulations, and too many overlapping agencies. It is there to serve its own parasitic needs rather than the needs of the people.

[@darwinboor1300]

There is a price to be paid for supporting a candidate who vows to fire most of the FAA and EPA.

[@donaldbohn3183]

Elon's going to buy his own Island where the FAA can't tell him what he can do.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

China will give him a place for free

[@whatcouldgowrong7914]

SpaceX should have left the US long ago

[@BaldGeek83]

As long as SpaceX is an American company it doesn't matter where they launch from, FAA rules still apply.

[@russell7489]

that would cost billions, no billionaire spends billions on anything, if a bank won't lend it, gov't won't give it, shareholders can't be conned into buying in, it don't happen, elon didn't even fund buying social media, Russian oligarchs did, no shock there.

[@RoBear-xo6zw]

Just move to Mexico 😂🎉

[@dapplelane3011]

The only reason for the delay is Elon solidly backing Trump.

[@jerryduke2219]

Elon poked the "Bear" (Government) when he started backing Trump! He will be lucky to fly at all before new year!

[@redneckcoder]

Lucky to fly before January 20th 2025 except for NASA scheduled flights. And if Trump loses I expect Harris to cancel the moon mission and all SpaceX contracts on January 21st.

[@danharold3087]

While true it is so ultimately against what should be happening in government.

[@indigobluu]

Maybe if he focused on space instead of politics, he wouldn't be on their same timeline

[@Fireblot8826]

Follow the money.

[@KnugLidi]

If you think this is political, think again. If you think the FAA isnt' doing their job, think again. If you think flight 5 hardware is ready to fly, think again. If you think stage 0 is ready for flight 5 think again. That's it in a nutshell. Elon has this idea that regulations get in the way of development. No, this is about poor planning on SpaceX's side. The assumption that no one wants the FAA to regulate SpaceX. Frankly, the idea that a private individual can launch orbital class objects that will be over 200t in orbit without oversight is laughable. Primarily, it is the FAA's responsibility. Secondly, the FAA is what stands between a private flying bomb and billions of people. It takes very little error for SpaceX to obliterate Brownsville, for example. There is no good saying "well, if bad things happen, SpaceX can be sued. or SpaceX can settle after the fact". The FAA is there to help prevent bad things from happening before people die. Could the FAA be faster? Sure, they're working on it, but surprise surprise, they're getting pushback due to political pressure to limit expert hiring and confusing SC rulings on agency protected hiring.

[@GreenJimll]

Nice to see at least one comment on here talking some sense!

[@myredeemerlivesakatom2314]

100% political punishment. This is the way this regime works. Back Trump, pay the price.

[@robertedwards7749]

Are you saying that this is all Trumps fault???? REALLY????

[@myredeemerlivesakatom2314]

I am saying Elon is being punished for his backing of Trump. Also because Elon has accepted the position to lead an Audit of the Federal Government. They have been itching to punish Elon because he allows true free speech on X. Put all these together and you can say yes, it’s because Elon backed Trump. If you cant see this then you are blind to the Political law fare being waged against us on the right. Elon will not stay quiet. He will say the same thing soon.

[@Rosebud6]

Thanks for reading this Ellie , # LET STARSHIP FLY!!!

[@TaunyaMillet-vg2eu]

I want FAA defunded. Defund them,!

[@benmlee]

Don’t vote for corrupt politicians.

[@qa1e2r4]

Bezos needs to cut the crap... And leave SpaceX alone and go live on his new yacht with the beach bunnies.