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In this case SpaceX is not the only client the FAA is dealing with. Both the US military and NASA have a lot riding on the timely progress of Starship's shaking
by entropicgravity 3y ago
In this case SpaceX is not the only client the FAA is dealing with. Both the US military and NASA have a lot riding on the timely progress of Starship's shaking out the weak areas so Starship can become viable and reliable.
- justrealist 3y agoThe FAA doesn't answer to either of those agencies. They have no motivation to factor NASA timelines into their prioritization unless the executive branch lights a fire under them, and the executive branch is deeply unfocused on technical details like this right now.
- ilaksh 3y agoHow do you actually know they don't have military or NASA people breathing down their necks to make it work? And/or someone from the executive branch backing that? My understanding is that SpaceX is critical for NASA ISS and lunar missions and provides currently irreplaceable capabilities to the US military. These rockets can be used to deliver enormous kinetic and nuclear warheads or move huge military assets or personnel with unprecedented speed. SpaceX also has the largest satellite constellation which in my mind is a primary asset for space defense. There aren't any other providers that are very close to the level of these capabilities for NASA and the US military. Whatever the law is about whether they "answer" or not, strategically, the US needs to try everything possible to continue these programs with SpaceX.