The FAA Says SpaceX Can't Expand Its Texas Launch Site—Yet

The Federal Aviation Administration has weighed in on the environmental effects of the expansion of the Star base. The agency says that if the company takes 75 actions to limit environmental hazard, it can keep expanding and applying for a launch license.

Boca Chica is a critical site for the company, where engineers have been ramping up their testing of Starship and Super Heavy in anticipation of deep space flights. Local groups are worried about increased pollution, the facility's potential effects on wildlife, and limitations on access to public beaches. The site is close to wildlife refuges, populated areas, local roads, liquified natural gas facilities, and the Mexican border.

The FAA held two virtual public hearings through which people in the area, as well as SpaceX fans and critics around the country, could offer opinions on the issue. The company needs to address a number of issues before they get their coveted launch license, including better monitoring of potential effects on vegetation and wildlife, and notifying the surrounding communities of noise and road closings.

Their decision could have far-reaching implications, since until they get a green light from the FAA, they can't continue with their testing and launches. There is a lot riding on that rocket. One of the only heavy-lift launch vehicles capable of transporting humans and equipment to the moon is the Super Heavy. When astronauts return to the moon in a few years, NASA will invest in a lander version of Starship.

The FAA and SpaceX didn't respond to WIRED's interview requests. When the assessment came out, there was a link that said, "one step closer to the first orbital flight test of Starship."

If the FAA's process took a long time, or called for an environmental impact statement, or EIS, a more rigorous and time- consuming review, then the testing would be moved to Florida.

The FAA ruled in favor of the company with a Finding of No Significant Impact. The company has more work to do according to the agency. It says that the launch debris must be removed from sensitive habitats. Changing the lighting at the launch complex, giving more advanced notice of launches, limiting how long State Highway 4 is closed, and avoiding weekends and holidays are some of the things that need to be done. The Department of transportation will assess the potential effects of the environmental review on public safety and national security.