SpaceX geared up for the highly anticipated sixth test flight of its Starship rocket on Tuesday, November 21st, 2024. The launch, taking place at SpaceX’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, had a 30-minute window starting at 5 p.m. ET. Adding to the intrigue, former President Donald Trump was reportedly in attendance, further solidifying his burgeoning relationship with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Reuters reported that an anonymous source revealed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued temporary flight restrictions over Brownsville, Texas, designated for “VIP Movement.” This suggests Musk hosted Trump at the launch site, underscoring their strengthening alliance. As Musk cultivates his relationship with Trump, this connection could significantly benefit SpaceX’s position within the spaceflight industry.
Musk’s substantial investment of approximately $120 million in the recent election campaign, aimed at supporting Trump’s re-election, appears to be yielding returns. Musk has since participated in meetings with world leaders alongside Trump, including a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Furthermore, he is expected to wield considerable influence over Trump’s policy decisions, especially concerning space exploration. Reports from The New York Times indicate Musk has even proposed appointing SpaceX employees to key government positions. This close relationship raises the possibility of increased government funding directed towards SpaceX, potentially bolstering the company’s dominance in the spaceflight sector.
Trump has also tasked Musk with leading a government efficiency initiative, focusing on streamlining bureaucracy and reforming regulatory agencies. This appointment is particularly relevant given Musk’s ongoing concerns about FAA regulations hindering Starship’s launch frequency. SpaceX recently submitted a request to the FAA to modify its existing launch license, seeking permission to increase the launch and landing cadence from Boca Chica to 25 times per year. The FAA is currently reviewing this request and assessing the potential environmental impact of Starship launches.
This sixth test launch follows a successful fifth test flight in October, which showcased a groundbreaking booster catch. During that test, Starship’s Super Heavy booster, standing at 232 feet (71 meters) tall, landed gently on the “Mechazilla” launch tower, which caught the rocket with its mechanical arms. SpaceX continues to refine its reusable rocket technology with each launch, aiming to prepare Starship for future missions, including transporting astronauts to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis 3 mission slated for September 2026.
Trump’s presence at this launch further solidifies his interest in space exploration and his close relationship with Musk. This renewed partnership could significantly reshape the landscape of the spaceflight industry during Trump’s second term.
