SpaceX is almost ready for Starship's first official attempt at an orbital launch in March.
Gary Henry, senior advisor for national security space solutions, told a panel that Starship is in good shape following the firing of 31 of its 33 engines, according to a SpaceNews.
Although Henry's prediction agrees with the data and the timetable set by Elon Musk via Twitter, it seems that SpaceX still has one obstacle ahead of it: permission from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for space flights.
See also: SpaceX: Starship's first orbital flight in February
SpaceX has announced various launch dates for Starship over the past two years, but they have been delayed due to the need for FAA approval, so a March launch is not yet certain. The FAA is taking into account factors related to environmental concerns and impacts on the community near the Starship launch site.
Starship is intended to transport people and cargo to the moon and Mars, as well as serve on other missions such as launching the company's largest internet satellite, Starlink 2.0, into orbit.
Proposal: Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship rocket explodes and catches fire
Musk has also said that Starship makes Mars economically feasible because the spacecraft will be fully reusable. The massive spacecraft consists of a first section called the Super Heavy along with a 50-meter upper section known as the Starship.
Starship has made several high-altitude flights but has been flying for almost two years. Its last flight was in May 2021, when it flew just 10 kilometers and turned back.
Read also: SpaceX: Watch the test of the Starship prototype rocket!
The FAA conducted a programmatic environmental assessment that was delayed several times due to various complications and public concerns before finally being completed in June 2022. During that time, they had indicated to SpaceX at least 75 actions that were needed in order for the launches to be approved. However, the FAA's assessments take time and it is uncertain whether SpaceX will be able to complete the launch in March as they have announced.
