SpaceX Advances Starship Testing With Sixth Launch and FAA Approval for Increased Flights

The test flight marked progress in Starship's development as SpaceX received preliminary FAA approval for up to 25 annual launches from Texas.

SpaceX's Starship completed its sixth test flight on November 19, achieving milestones such as reigniting a Raptor engine in space for the first time.
The Super Heavy booster, intended to be caught by the launch tower, was instead splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico due to a safety system abort.
The FAA issued a draft environmental assessment allowing SpaceX to increase its Starship launches from five to 25 annually, pending final approval after public consultations.
Starship's development is critical for NASA's Artemis program, with plans to use the rocket for the Artemis III lunar mission in 2026 and future Mars missions.
President-elect Donald Trump attended the launch, highlighting SpaceX's growing ties with the incoming administration, which may ease regulatory processes for the company.