Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declared its intention to initiate a new environmental study for forthcoming Starship launches from Florida.
The determination to begin a new assessment arises following modifications made by SpaceX and their desire to implement new infrastructure and spacecraft enhancements, aspects that were not taken into account during the initial appraisal in 2019.
The planned infrastructure adjustments will undoubtedly involve the establishment of a new launch platform, given that the previous supports were recently dismantled. This will afford SpaceX more space to incorporate a water deluge system similar to or perhaps more intricate than the one implemented at Starbase.
Other proposed alterations encompass a natural gas liquefaction system, deluge basins for excess water management, and an air separation unit for propellant generation. None of these were included in the original 2019 evaluation and must now be evaluated before SpaceX proceeds with new construction.
A noteworthy detail included in the announcement pertains to potential changes to Starship design. The initial assessment factored in 24 Starship/Super Heavy launches annually with a Starship equipped with up to 7 Raptor engines and a Super Heavy booster employing up to 31 Raptor engines. The updated evaluation will now accommodate a maximum of 44 Starship/Super Heavy launches per year. It will feature a Starship with up to 9 Raptor engines and a Super Heavy booster with up to 35 Raptor engines, possibly corresponding to the Version 3 Starship recently unveiled by Elon Musk.
A SpaceX render of two launch towers at Starbase that could be duplicated at LC-39A (Credit SpaceX)
The updated review will also contemplate the addition of another Super Heavy catch tower at Kennedy Space Center capable of catching Starship as well. Initially, SpaceX had proposed utilizing Landing Zone 1, but this option is no longer feasible as the area has already been leased to two other aerospace companies for future rocket launch sites.
As a result of this new review, the FAA will organize two in-person gatherings on June 12th and 13th in Cape Canaveral and at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex correspondingly. Additionally, there will be a virtual assembly on June 17th, with detailed information to be shared with the public closer to the event.
Simultaneously, the United States Space Force is conducting its distinct evaluation of Starship/Super Heavy launch facilities, considering a potential launch area at either Space Launch Complex 37 or a prospective new platform, Space Launch Complex 50, situated between SLC 37 and SLC 40.
The timeline for the completion of this new review by the FAA has not been specified, while the assessment by the U.S. Space Force is anticipated to conclude by September 2025.
What are your thoughts on SpaceX’s proposed upgrades gaining approval from the FAA?
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