The Starbase launch facility is located on Texas's Gulf Coast and the FAA wants to make sure it is safe. According to an environmental impact assessment released today, the agency asked the company to make more than 75 changes before it could use the South Texas site. The launch site, located near Boca Chica, Texas, has been the center of controversy after it was revealed that the surrounding area would be used to support lunar missions.
This appears to be more of a yellow light than a red light from the FAA. The agency issued a finding of no significant impact for the plans of the company. There would be no significant environmental consequences, but the agency is asking the company to take some steps to protect the environment.
The FAA review will only clear the company for five launches a year. Boca Chica Beach is a public beach that has been closed due to testing. The Sierra Club and other groups filed a lawsuit against the government because of the closing. The road will not be closed during 18 different holidays and only five weekends a year. The FAA wants the company to have 500 hours of normal operations and 300 hours for emergencies.
The FAA review didn't seem to bother the company. The company said it was one step closer to the test.
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