SPACEX STARSHIP FLIGHT #9 LAUNCH SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, 27 MAY 2025

The public is being advised of the SpaceX Starship Flight #9 launch, that has been scheduled for Tuesday, 27 May 2025, from the

SpaceX facility, Boca Chica Launch Site, Texas, USA.

The launch is expected to occur between 7:30pm-9:30pm and follow the same trajectory as previous missions – it is expected to be visible from the TCI under clear conditions.

Public Advisory:

Following the SpaceX Starship Flight #7 incident on 16th January 2025 and the further Flight #8 incident on 6th March, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council in liaison with UK Government Agencies, has engaged closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes seeking regulatory assurances that the previous causes of the mishap incidents have been identified and that appropriate safety measures are in place ahead of future launches to protect the public.

The FAA required SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation for both Flights #7 and #8. The FAA has confirmed:

• The cause of the anomaly of the last launch of Starship Flight 8 on 6 March has been identified, and the FAA have determined that SpaceX has satisfactorily addressed the
• cause.
• For the Starship Flight 9, the FAA have determined that SpaceX has met all public safety requirements and have approved the license modifications.
• On 22 May 2025, after conducting a safety review, the FAA completed the return-to-flight authorisation assessment for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy vehicle and determined it can return to flight operations while the Flight 8 mishap investigation remains open. The FAA is overseeing the SpaceX-led investigation.
• The FAA’s return to flight determination requires that any system, process or procedure related to the previous mishap does not affect public safety.
• The FAA has established a larger aircraft hazard area for Flight 9 due to the failures of Flights 7 and 8.
• For Flight 9, the FAA has determined the risk to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands does not exceed the FAA’s critical safety threshold.
• Coordination of notification reporting to TCI ahead of planned launches will continue to improve based on lessons from previous events.

Mariners and Aviators Advisory:

Mariners and aviators are advised to stay informed and keep updated of all maritime advisories and notices to airmen related to potential temporary restrictions. Mariners are strongly advised to monitor official navigation warnings from the TCI Department of Maritime and Shipping.

Aviation operators are strongly advised to monitor official advisories from the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority (TCIAA) and international air traffic control agencies.

The public is encouraged to monitor the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies (DDME) notification channels for alerts.

The TCIG remains committed to the safety of the public and the environment, and will continue to engage with relevant UK and US agencies to monitor developments and keep the public appraised.