FAA Faces Lawsuit Over Handling of SpaceX Starship Program

In the lawsuit, environmental groups accuse the FAA of making environmental concessions to SpaceX.

Jack Daleo

Monday, May 01, 2023 at 06:44 PM ET

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SpaceX’s Starship rocket stands ready for launch ahead of April’s test flight. [Credit: SpaceX]

Key Takeaways:

Five environmental groups are suing the FAA for its approval of SpaceX's Starship launch, alleging the agency bypassed a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in favor of a less rigorous assessment.
The lawsuit claims the FAA's decision contributed to environmental damage from the Starship test flight, which included debris scattering and a brush fire.
If successful, the lawsuit could force the FAA to conduct a lengthy EIS, further delaying future Starship launches on top of ongoing investigations and launch pad repairs.

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Last month, SpaceX’s Starship rocket—the largest ever constructed—engulfed the company’s Boca Chica, Texas, launch pad in flames en route to its inaugural test flight. Now, the FAA, which signed off on the launch the weekend prior, is also under fire.

Figuratively, that is. On Monday, five environmental groups sued the FAA over its handling of the Starship launch, accusing the agency of making concessions to SpaceX that contributed to the test flight’s impact on surrounding areas.