The FAA has approved the final environmental assessment of the proposed SpaceX Starship spacecraft and super-heavy rocket program.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday approved the final environmental assessment of the proposed SpaceX Starship super-heavy rocket and spacecraft program in Boca Chica, Texas after requiring more than 75 conditions.
The FAA announced the finding of “No Significant Impact” but is placing some restrictions on the launch and requires steps to limit environmental impact, the agency said, removing barriers to with the program.
SpaceX tweeted shortly after the decision: “One step closer to Starship’s first orbital test flight.”
The FAA notes that completing an environmental assessment does not guarantee the issuance of a vehicle license, subject to meeting FAA requirements for safety, risk, and financial responsibility.
Due to the requirements, there will be more advanced notification of launches to reduce highway closures during launch operations, the FAA said.
Launches will not be allowed on the 18 defined holidays and are limited to no more than 5 weekends per year. The FAA is requiring ongoing monitoring of vegetation and wildlife; inform the surrounding communities in advance of potential engine noise and explosive sounds during launch; and complex lighting adjustments to minimize the impact of wildlife.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said in February he was “very confident” his new SpaceX Stars spacecraft, designed for trips to the moon and Mars, will reach Earth orbit for the first time. first this year.
Even in a “worst-case” scenario, where demanding a full statement of environmental impact or legal wrangling over the issue threatens to linger, Musk said SpaceX has a backup plan in place. .
Musk said the company will move its entire Starship program to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where SpaceX has received the environmental approvals it needs.
Reuters reported on Monday that NASA wanted SpaceX to ensure its plan to launch its next-generation Starship rocket from Florida would not pose a risk to nearby launch infrastructure critical to the International Space Station.
The rocket’s next major test, a complex mission to orbit for the first time, was delayed in part due to environmental impact regulatory reviews of the Texas complex, leaving the FAA not license to launch into orbit by SpaceX.
