On May 6, the FAA approved SpaceX’s request to increase Starship launch frequency from its Boca Chica, Texas site. The decision allows up to 25 Starship/Super Heavy launches and landings annually, five times the earlier limit. The approval followed an environmental review concluding minimal impact. Some local concerns remain over vibrations and Pacific splashdowns.

BulletsIn

• FAA clears 25 Starship launches/year from Boca Chica, up from 5 earlier
• Also permits 25 landings each for booster & upper stage annually
• Approval based on mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
• Comes with environmental conditions, incl. wastewater discharge rules
• Public input: 12,000+ comments, many opposed Pacific Ocean landings
• Final rule moved Pacific splashdown zone outside Hawaii’s EEZ
• Some locals worry about building vibrations from repeated launches
• FAA held 3 public hearings, adjusted plan per public concerns
• Part of wider SpaceX expansion: 50 Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg cleared
• More reviews ongoing for Starship launches from Florida bases