FAA To Kick Off Public Hearings on SpaceX Environmental Review

Friday, October 15, 2021 at 01:57 PM ET

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Space X hopes to launch its Starship and Super Heavy rocket from the Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas. SpaceX

Key Takeaways:

SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy rocket program, launching from Boca Chica, Texas, requires FAA approval, currently pending public comment and environmental assessment.
The FAA's draft environmental assessment analyzes the program's potential environmental and safety impacts, including effects on sparsely populated areas.
Public hearings are scheduled for October 18th and 20th for public comment on the FAA's assessment.
Following the hearings, the FAA will issue a final assessment, determining whether SpaceX can obtain a license for Super Heavy rocket launches.

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SpaceX has set some lofty goals to develop the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, capable of sending crew and cargo to the Martian surface.

The spacecraft, Starship, and its Super Heavy rocket will be launched from the Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas—if it can gain approval from the FAA.

Next week, the FAA will start hearing public comments on its draft environmental assessment of SpaceX’s program in Texas. The 149-page report, released in September, outlines the effects Starship would have on the environment, as well as potential safety hazards regarding overflight of populated areas.

The FAA previously extended the public comment period to allow time for agencies, organizations, Native American tribes, and the general public to review the report in preparation for their comments.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk previously asked for public support on Twitter.

Please add your voice to the public comments. Support is greatly appreciated!

Humanity’s future on the moon, Mars & beyond depends upon it.

Thanks,
Elon https://t.co/5K6Wda57EP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2021

According to the FAA draft report, the launch site in Boca Chica, Texas is not located near any farmland or protected waterways. SpaceX will also contract a qualified biologist to oversee the beginning of the construction process. The FAA describes the launch site’s surrounding area as “sparsely populated.”

SpaceX is currently licensed to test Starship prototypes and has already conducted multiple test launches, one of which exploded shortly after landing.

After the public hearings, the FAA will publish a final assessment. SpaceX will then await licensing for the Super Heavy rocket.

The FAA’s online public hearings will be held on October 18 and October 20 at 6 p.m. EST. For instructions on how to join each session, visit the FAA’s website here.