Starship vs the Gov’t

If Elon ever gets to Mars he’ll declare independence from Earth.

The December test launch of the “Serial Number 8” Starship prototype at SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas, facilities was hailed by Musk as a success: “Mars, here we come!!” the chief executive tweeted moments after the rocket exploded on its landing, celebrating SN8’s successful 8-mile-high ascent with his followers. The FAA, which oversees ground safety and issues licenses for private launches, was not so happy.

  • SpaceX was ready to attempt a Starship rocket test flight on Thursday, but it couldn’t get clearance from the FAA.
  • Elon Musk criticized the agency on Twitter, saying that with its rules “humanity will never get to Mars.”
  • However, the FAA told Insider it was working with SpaceX to “resolve outstanding safety issues.”