FAA Widens Flight Hazard Zone for SpaceX Starship Launch

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the return to flight for SpaceX’s Starship, even as the mishap investigation for its March 2025 Flight 8 remains open. As a key condition, the FAA is significantly expanding the Aircraft Hazard Area (AHA) for the upcoming Flight 9, nearly doubling its size from approximately 885 to 1,600 nautical miles.

The FAA cited a revised flight safety analysis as the reason for the expansion, noting factors such as past flight outcomes, population exposure, debris behavior, and the increased risk of using a reused Super Heavy booster for the first time. The new AHA now stretches from the Texas launch site through the Straits of Florida and includes areas over the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos.

Despite explosions during both Flight 7 and Flight 8 earlier this year, the FAA concluded that SpaceX has addressed the causes of the Flight 8 mishap. The agency said SpaceX now meets all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements. The Flight 7 investigation has been closed, while Flight 8’s remains under review.

British and Caribbean officials have raised concerns about public safety in the region, prompting the FAA to coordinate closely with the UK, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Mexico, and Cuba to ensure compliance.

SpaceX is required to carry $500 million in liability insurance for this launch, consistent with previous flights. As SpaceX prepares for Flight 9, public scrutiny remains high, with recent polling ranking the company and its CEO Elon Musk among the lowest-rated U.S. firms in reputation.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, satellitetoday.com