FAA clears SpaceX for next Starship test flight

The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared SpaceX to proceed with its next Starship test flight after concluding its review of a booster malfunction during a launch in May. The regulatory approval, announced on July 13, 2026, allows the company to prepare for its thirteenth integrated test flight, which could occur as soon as July 16 from the company's Starbase facility in Texas.

The FAA's closure of the investigation follows SpaceX's identification of the probable causes of the anomaly during the May 22 flight, which was the twelfth test of the fully reusable rocket system. According to the agency and company statements, the Super Heavy booster failed to execute a controlled soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico due to heat-related effects on propulsion components and erroneous engine alarm system settings during its ascent. The booster plunged into the water at high speed after its engines did not properly reignite following stage separation.

SpaceX stated it has implemented corrective actions, including modifications to the engine startup sequence and alarm systems, to address these issues. The FAA confirmed it has accepted these corrective actions and that there were no...