In an update from SpaceX, president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell revealed that the company is targeting an early May launch for its next Starship mission, pending the approval of an amended launch license. During the Satellite 2024 conference, Shotwell confirmed that the data from the previous successful flight on March 14 was still being reviewed and analyzed.

The third integrated launch of the Starship vehicle saw both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage performing as expected during ascent, placing the vehicle on its planned suborbital trajectory. Notably, a propellant transfer demonstration took place in space, showcasing the capability of moving liquid oxygen between two tanks within the vehicle. However, a planned relight of Starship's Raptor engines while in space did not occur due to a roll experienced by the vehicle.

During reentry, the Starship vehicle broke apart at an altitude of approximately 65 kilometers. Additionally, the Super Heavy booster experienced an explosion during the final stages of its descent, as it attempted a planned landing burn into the Gulf of Mexico. The mishap investigation into the failures of both stages is currently underway and must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Speaking at the Space Capitol III event, FAA associate administrator for commercial space transportation Kelvin Coleman expressed optimism that the investigation would not uncover any major issues that could delay the next launch. Coleman called the mission a "successful launch attempt" since no injuries or property damage occurred. He further mentioned that SpaceX was able to gather a considerable amount of data from the test flight.

SpaceX is anticipated to swiftly provide a mishap investigation report, following the trend set after the second Starship flight. The FAA has been updating SpaceX's Starship launch license after each flight to incorporate changes in mission parameters. However, the agency aims to establish a new process where the license covers a "portfolio of launches" rather than individual ones, given SpaceX's plans for six to nine more Starship launches this year.

Streamlining the launch licensing process has been a key focus for the FAA in response to industry and congressional criticism regarding delays. The agency recently announced the formation of the aerospace rulemaking committee (SpARC) to gather industry input on improvements for Part 450, a new set of regulations governing launch licenses.

While the exact number of Starship launches planned for this year was not mentioned, Shotwell emphasized that the main goal is to make the vehicle operational. She expressed a desire to see Starship successfully reach orbit, deploy satellites, and achieve the recovery of both stages with rapid turnaround times.

Pending the completion of the mishap investigation and the subsequent modification of the launch license by the FAA, SpaceX is optimistic about proceeding with its next Starship mission in early May.