SpaceX Receives FAA Environmental Permit To Launch Starship From Boca Chica

SpaceX's Starship, ready for a test launch. (photo: twitter spacex)

JAKARTA - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday approved the final environmental assessment of SpaceX's proposed Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket program in Boca Chica, Texas after meeting more than 75 conditions and requirements.

The FAA published a "No Significant Impact" finding but placed some restrictions on rollout and required steps to limit environmental impact.

"One step closer to Starship's first orbital flight test," SpaceX tweeted immediately after the decision.

The FAA notes that completing an environmental review does not guarantee the issuance of a vehicle operator's license, which is contingent on meeting FAA requirements for safety, risk and financial responsibility.

One step closer to the first orbital flight test of Starship https://t.co/MEcQ6gST6Q pic.twitter.com/jxqEsM62gc

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 13, 2022

The FAA said as a result of THIS requirement there would be further launch notices to reduce highway closures during launch operations.

Launches will not be permitted on the 18 identified holidays, and are limited to no more than five weekends per year. The FAA requires ongoing monitoring of vegetation and wildlife; prior notification to the surrounding community of potential engine noise and sonic booms from launches; and adjusting lighting in the launch complex to minimize impact on wildlife.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said in February that he was "very confident" his new SpaceX Starship, designed to travel to the moon and Mars, would reach Earth orbit for the first time this year.

Even in the "worst case" scenario, where a full environmental impact statement is required or a legal dispute over the issue threatens to drag on, Musk said SpaceX has plans to back off.

"The company will transfer the entire Starship program to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where SpaceX has received the environmental approvals it needs," Musk said.

Reuters reported last Monday that NASA wants SpaceX to ensure its plans to launch its next-generation Starship rocket from Florida will not compromise critical nearby launch infrastructure for the International Space Station.

The rocket's next major test, the complex task of launching into orbit for the first time, has been delayed in part by a review of the Texas compound environmental impact regulations, which have prevented the FAA from granting SpaceX its orbital launch license.