ÿ�մ���

The FAA has determined a pair of demonstration missions of a SpaceX-proposed small reentry capsule in the Pacific Ocean poses no significant environmental issues, clearing the company to pursue a vehicle operator license for the flights.

Starfall is a small capsule designed to return payloads from low Earth orbit. The spacecraft consists of a top plate and a heat shield designed to separate after atmospheric reentry, according to the FAA’s Final Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starfall Reentry Vehicle Operations in the Pacific Ocean.

The aluminum top plate, which is partially wrapped in thermal protection materials, weighs about 3,086 lb., according to the document, which was posted on the FAA’s website on May 29.

Starfall uses compressed inert gas for small steering moves, such as orienting the heat shield in the correct direction for a parachute return into Earth’s atmosphere. The capsule, which has one pilot, one drogue and one main landing parachute, is designed for recovery by ship or rigid-hull inflatable boat.

SpaceX is proposing to conduct two Starfall missions including reentry, splashdown and recovery activities. “SpaceX must obtain a vehicle operator license from FAA to conduct reentries of its Starfall reentry vehicle in the Pacific Ocean,” the agency noted.