SpaceX’s Starship added to NASA’s approved launcher list

Last week NASA announced that it has added SpaceX’s Starship rocket to its NASA Launch Services II contract, giving future access to NASA missions when the agency and rocket are ready. However, Starship’s current status will need to move forward in development much further before it will likely be able to compete for contracts.

NASA Launch Services is the agency’s program to acquire launch services for its various scientific missions. This covers everything from tech demonstrations on rideshares to flagship missions like Europa Clipper. However, just because you’re in the program doesn’t mean you can bid on everything.

NASA breaks its program into three categories: Category 1, 2, and 3. Category 1 rockets are for new rockets with little to no launch experience under their belts; Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket just recently gained this approval after its first launch. They can bid on NASA’s Class D missions that accept higher risk in exchange for cheaper access to space.

Category 2 can launch Class C or B missions, which are for rockets that have flown a handful of times. Finally, Category 3 is the highest level and can launch NASA’s Class A missions that are of the highest importance and can’t accept much risk in terms of success. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Heavy rockets exist in this category.

It’s unlikely Starship has yet to meet even the Category 1 title for NLS missions, as the rocket has yet to reach orbit on any of its eight test flights. However, now that it’s in the program, once it does reach orbit, SpaceX can move NASA to certify it for Class D missions, although that will likely be overkill for a rocket of its size.

Right now, Starship’s flight status is in flux as there has been no word on when its ninth test flight will take place after two highly publicized failures earlier this year.

SpaceX is hoping to get Starship to orbit and deploy payloads, likely Starlink satellites, this year. This will require a clean suborbital flight with its new Block 2 Ship stage.

Where NASA’s NSL contract will likely be used the most for Starship will be in the company’s contract as a lunar lander for Artemis. Another part of Starship’s development that is likely over a year or more away.