FAA Updates Results Of The Starship Environment Review, Launch Targets Can Be Improved

JAKARTA The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has updated the results of an environmental review on November 20. With this assessment updated, the number of annual Starship launches could be increased.

According to Spacenews reports, this environmental assessment includes impact research from 25 launches per year as well as 25 landings for each rocket component, namely the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage of Starship.

Before the draft of the latest report is released, the FAA will hold five public meetings to collect input. Four meetings will be held face-to-face in January, while one meeting will be held online on January 13.

In fact, the FAA has planned an open session to discuss this environmental review last August. However, this meeting was postponed because the FAA was still seeking additional information from the company.

"FAA is seeking additional information from SpaceX before rescheduling the open meeting," the FAA said at the time.

The environmental assessment draft did not immediately increase the number of launches. This draft was made as a form of review that SpaceX had no serious problems that could prevent an increase in the number of launches.

Based on current assessment results, "FAA has concluded that the existing modification of SpaceX vehicle operator licenses for Starship/Super Heavy operations is in accordance with previous environmental documentation."

The FAA also explained that no significant changes in the environment and all related conditions and requirements have been or will be met at this time. After the period of public comment and comment review ends, SpaceX could increase the number of launches.