Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will require SpaceX to take more than 75 actions to mitigate environmental impacts from its proposed plan to launch the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle from Boca Chica, Texas.

SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Site in Cameron County, Texas.
Credit: Elon Musk/SpaceX

The actions are part of the agency’s environmental review. The environmental review must be completed along with public safety, national security, and other analyses before a decision on whether to grant a launch license can be made.

The license application is still pending. 

The environmental review is one part of the FAA Launch Operator License application process.

Credit: Elon Musk/SpaceX

Impacts to fish, wildlife and plants

SpaceX also must meet FAA safety, risk, and financial responsibility requirements before a license is issued for any launch activities. The review was completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and all applicable laws, regulations, and agency guidance.

As noted today by the FAA, additional measures to address impacts to fish, wildlife and plants, and resources protected by the National Historic Preservation Act will be required.

Some examples of these measures include:

• Ongoing monitoring of vegetation and wildlife by a qualified biologist;
• Ensuring notification of surrounding communities in advance about potential engine noise and sonic booms from launches;
• Coordinating with state or federal agencies to remove launch debris from sensitive habitats;
• Adjusting lighting at the launch complex to minimize impact on wildlife and the nearby beach.

The required actions are part of the FAA’s Programmatic Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Record of Decision (ROD). The documents are available at:

https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship