Insider Brief
- The FAA has approved a major expansion of SpaceX’s launch activity at its Texas site, raising the annual Starship launch limit to 25 and permitting up to 50 landings.
- The decision follows an environmental review and public comment process, concluding that increased operations would not significantly impact air quality, climate, noise, or wildlife.
- SpaceX must comply with mitigation measures, including biological monitoring and vibration tracking, and is operating under a new state permit after past environmental violations.
The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared SpaceX to significantly increase launch activity at its Texas site, a move that could accelerate development of the company’s Starship rocket and raise the stakes for environmental oversight.
In a decision posted this week, the FAA issued a Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) allowing SpaceX to raise its annual Starship launch cap to 25, with up to 50 total landings, from its private site in Boca Chica, Texas. According to the FAA, the determination follows a detailed environmental assessment and public comment period involving more than 12,000 submissions.
“The FAA has determined that modifying SpaceX’s vehicle operator license to support the increased launch and landing cadence would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment,” the agency stated in its decision.
The move is pivotal for SpaceX’s ambitions to lower the cost of spaceflight and support NASA and Defense Department missions. The company claims more frequent launches will improve vehicle reliability and reduce launch costs by enabling rapid prototyping and iterative testing. It also aligns with broader U.S. goals of expanding commercial access to space, according to the 2021 Space Priorities Framework.
Under the revised license, SpaceX may conduct up to 25 launches and 50 landings annually, including three nighttime launches and six nighttime offshore landings. Static fire tests are also permitted. Landings at the Boca Chica site must occur during daytime, while nighttime returns are allowed only offshore.
The environmental review, known as the Final Tiered Environmental Assessment, examined potential effects on air quality, climate, noise, wildlife, cultural sites, and more. FAA officials concluded that, while impacts will occur, none rise to the level requiring a full Environmental Impact Statement.
Among the concerns were noise and sonic booms. Launches could generate sound levels up to 140 decibels within 8 miles of the site and create sonic booms up to 21 pounds per square foot. Some areas, including South Padre Island and Port Isabel, could experience booms comparable to a thunderclap, but FAA modeling suggested that no public areas would exceed occupational safety thresholds.
Air quality impacts were also reviewed. Emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are projected to remain below federal thresholds. Greenhouse gas emissions are estimated at over 97,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent per year but are not expected to meaningfully influence climate.
Wildlife agencies raised concerns about marine mammals, sea turtles, and migratory birds. The FAA and National Marine Fisheries Service concluded that residual propellant from failed landings would likely evaporate or dilute in seawater. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the impacts on terrestrial species to be manageable with monitoring and mitigation.
SpaceX has agreed to multiple conditions, including continued biological monitoring, vibration tracking at cultural sites, and annual compliance certifications. The company also reached a compliance agreement with Texas regulators and the EPA after past unauthorized wastewater discharges. It is now operating under a state-issued permit.
The FAA said the approval is contingent on SpaceX adhering to mitigation and monitoring plans. Any new violations or changes to the operation could trigger further review. “SpaceX must notify the FAA… of any changes to the representations in its license application or any document… on which the FAA relied,” the decision notes.
Share this article:
