OT:
SpaceX Flight 5 maybe 2 weeks. Starship 30 looks ready to go.
The SpaceX Fram 2 mission [ private ] will be the first ever human overflight of the poles, capsule features observation dome. This will be the 6th crew mission of Crew Dragon [ different capsule ]. They will spend between 3-5 days at 425-450km.
Falcon 9 had 5 launches last week. Includes a Transporter mission with a host of satellites, 2 of which were from Australia. These missions are becoming very cheap and affordable.
OT:
Update 👿 from CNBC report 5 days ago:
Local Texas regulators and the EPA have halted Starship launches at Boca Chica accusing them of dumping waste water with mercury into local streams and other water sources. As a result, the FAA has canceled all requests to increase SpaceX’s launch cadence [ 25 per year ].
The focus was on the water deluge system - almost every one uses this sort of system. 14 complaints filed with local office in Aug 2023, alleging environmental impacts. Was discharging water without TCEQ authorization.
Regulators have said SpaceX can continue with launches, despite violations. This whole thing may or may not cause significant delays.
Musk has hinted that something will happen in 2 weeks, so this issue may not affect Flight 5.