SpaceX's Starship Test Flight Delayed by Regulatory Battles

SpaceX is facing potential delays in obtaining regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Starship test flights. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has stated that their regulatory approval process for the second Starship test flight could last until spring 2024. The FWS received a final biological assessment from the FAA and has up to 30 days to review it. SpaceX is lobbying for greater efficiency in the regulatory approval process to streamline the issuance of launch licenses. The delays could impact SpaceX's involvement in NASA's Artemis program and its plans for crewed lunar missions.