Michael Whitaker, the FAA administrator, emphasized, "I think safety is in the public interest and that's our primary focus. It's the only tool we have to ensure safety during space launches." He defended the FAA's oversight during a congressional hearing, indicating that their regulatory reviews are essential to maintain safety standards in commercial spaceflights.
The FAA's scrutiny comes as SpaceX aims for a fifth full-scale test flight of Starship, a mission that is crucial for demonstrating the rocket's recovery capabilities. Whitaker highlighted that the agency's assessments of safety and environmental impacts are vital, especially with SpaceX's plans to perform unprecedented maneuvers with its Starship and Super Heavy booster.
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