SpaceX星舰第九次试飞获批：安全区域扩大一倍，最早5月27日发射

Core Viewpoint - The FAA has officially approved SpaceX's ninth test flight of the Starship, marking a significant step forward after the March incident, with the earliest launch expected next week [1][2]. Group 1: FAA Approval and Safety Review - The FAA announced on May 22 that it has approved the resumption of flight operations for the Starship, stating that SpaceX has adequately addressed the causes of the previous accident [1]. - The FAA conducted a comprehensive safety review of the eighth test flight incident, which involved a "high-energy event" leading to multiple Raptor engine failures and loss of vehicle control [1][2]. - The FAA's decision to allow the ninth flight comes despite the ongoing investigation into the previous incident, based on a safety risk assessment [1]. Group 2: Changes in Safety Protocols - The safety flight area for the ninth test flight has been significantly expanded, extending approximately 1,600 nautical miles (2,960 kilometers) east from the Texas Starship base, covering the Florida Straits, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands [2]. - This new safety area is nearly double the size of the previous flight's safety zone, which was only 885 nautical miles (1,640 kilometers) [2]. - The expansion of the safety area is influenced by SpaceX's plan to reuse previously launched Super Heavy boosters for the ninth test flight, prompting updated flight safety analyses [2]. Group 3: Launch Timeline - As of now, SpaceX has not disclosed the exact launch date for flight 9, but temporary flight restrictions indicate preparations for a potential launch as early as May 27 [2].