The FAA's Kelvin Coleman at Payload's Space Capital event regarding Starship: "We’re trying to work with them to get them on a different program if you will in terms of how we approve their launches going forward," he said. "We want to get away from the launch by launch approvals and get more into what Part 450 was really designed for, which is an approval of a portfolio of launches." @jacqfeldscher payloadspace.com/a-tale-of-two-…
@JackKuhr Great, but that means delays again trying to set that up
@JackKuhr The idea that the FAA hates SpaceX is such a tiresome talking point. How many launches does SpaceX do per week? I am sure if there was some institutional bias it would manifest in there being far fewer F9 launches
@JackKuhr Once Starship goes to orbit and proves it can maintain control it should be considered “in service” and get the portfolio launch license. I predict this will happen on the next launch.
This is why we have a certification process with compliance guidelines. You shouldn’t get a recurring license if you don’t prove you can fly safely. Get certified and we at least have the assurance that all the safety issues are addressed, even if the missions fail. A safety approval is required per CFR Part 450.31(a)(4). How is a RUD safe?
@JackKuhr Sounds good. The one-by-one licensing is getting a bit tedious; the lack of ground hazards looks reliable now.
@JackKuhr Pointless while testing and having to do mishap reports each time... Soon...
@JackKuhr That's wonderful news! Hopefully, elaborating that portfolio won't delay the next IFT. 🙏