The Federal Aviation Association's environmental assessment of the spaceship has been delayed again.
The space company won't begin its first-ever orbital test flight until May 31, the latest in a long series of delays.
The company's long-awaited test flight could mark a significant milestone in the company's efforts to eventually fly astronauts to the Moon and beyond, but governmental red tape has proven to be a sticking point.
In an email sent to reporters just now, the FAA adds the following rationale for the delay. "SpaceX made multiple changes to its application that require additional FAA analysis. The agency continues to review around 18,000 general public comments. "
— Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) April 29, 2022
Multiple changes to its application that require additional FAA analysis are likely related to the constant iteration of its design, according to the notice.
The environmental assessment program will not guarantee that the agency will issue a launch license, according to the FAA.
At its testing facilities in South Texas, the company has been waiting for approval for many months. The environmental assessment was supposed to be done by the end of last year, but has since been delayed four times.
There is a wildlife refuge that provides shelter for sea turtles and migratory birds.
The assessment was released for public review and comment after being drafted in September. The FAA was asked to have a closer look at the plans by 11 environmental groups.
The FAA is still combing through 18,000 general public comments, so for now, we will have to stay patient.
The plans for the Texas launch site have been delayed again.
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