In a show of resilience, SpaceX is forging ahead with plans for its fourth Starship test flight, aiming for a launch in early May. The determined push comes despite the setbacks encountered during the recent third test flight on March 14, which triggered an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The third test flight marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, despite the unplanned loss of both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage vehicle. The experimental rocket achieved several key objectives, including the successful launch of the fully integrated Starship, the ignition of all 33 booster engines, a hot staging maneuver, and stage separation. It also demonstrated propellant transfer capability and opened and closed its payload door.

However, the mission fell short in certain aspects. Due to the vehicle's unanticipated rolling behavior, an upper stage Raptor engine could not be reignited in space. Additionally, the Super Heavy booster exploded before its intended soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico. The Starship itself broke apart 65 miles above the Indian Ocean, preventing a planned hard splashdown.

Amidst these setbacks, the FAA launched an investigation, a standard procedure for mishaps in the aerospace industry. SpaceX now requires an amended launch license to proceed. However, Kelvin Coleman, the FAA's associate administrator for commercial space transportation, doesn't foresee significant obstacles in granting this amendment. He emphasized that no injuries or property damage occurred and stated that the mishap investigation could progress swiftly due to the absence of critical safety system implications.

Speaking at a recent event, Coleman discussed a potential upgrade to the FAA's approach to launch approvals. Recognizing the inefficiency of the current launch-by-launch process, he emphasized the agency's efforts to streamline operations by approving launches collectively as a portfolio. This shift would alleviate pressure on SpaceX and other launch providers and allow for a more efficient regulatory process.

SpaceX president and chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, also expressed confidence in the aftermath of the third test flight. She described it as "incredibly successful" and stated that the company hit its target. Shotwell expressed optimism in understanding the causes behind the setbacks and declared their readiness to return to flight within six weeks, potentially in early May. She dismissed rumors of deploying Starlink satellites on the next launch, emphasizing that the focus would be on perfecting reentry and landing procedures.

From a hardware perspective, SpaceX is well-prepared, with four Starships and four Super Heavy boosters already built. This marks a significant step towards implementing its vision of a fully reusable launch system, aimed at revolutionizing the aerospace industry.

In the coming weeks, the FAA expects to receive SpaceX's mishap investigation report, which will shed further light on the causes of the setbacks. If all goes according to plan, the fourth Starship test flight could take place in early May, marking a quick turnaround for SpaceX and once again pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology.