The United States Federal Aviation Administration has granted a long-awaited license allowing Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch the "Starship" rocket into orbit for the first time, paving the way for a critical test flight regarding the company's space objectives.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency said, "After a comprehensive review process for the license, SpaceX has met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, flight operation integration, and financial responsibility requirements," noting that "the license is valid for five years."
The company confirmed via Twitter that "the launch is scheduled for Monday, April 17, from SpaceX's Starbase rocket facilities in Boca Chica, Texas." Regulatory disclosures indicate that "the liftoff could occur anytime between 5:30 AM and 2 PM Central Time."