Proposal: SpaceX aiming for up to 76 Starship launches a year in Florida
FAA seeking input on SpaceX Starship Florida launch plans
The FAA is seeking public input as part of a proposal from SpaceX regarding its Starship launch schedule in Florida. SpaceX wants to launch Starship up to 76 times a year, and the FAA is conducting a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate potential impacts, like noise, flight paths, landing zones, or temporary airspace closures.
SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship rocket up to 76 times a year from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, according to its license application with the FAA.
As part of that application process, the FAA said earlier this week that it plans to open a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement related to SpaceX's Starship-Super Heavy operations – and is seeking input from the public.
SpaceX's Starship operations in Florida
The backstory:
SpaceX is moving forward with construction at Space Launch Complex 37 to prepare for its Starship rocket. Under its proposed rocket schedule, SpaceX is preparing for:
- Up to 76 launches a year
- Up to 152 landings – 76 Super Heavy Booster and 76 Starship vehicle landings
- Issuance of temporary airspace closures during rocket launches
As part of that, SpaceX needs to modify its existing vehicle operator license with the FAA to include Starship, the FAA said.
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement will look at potential environmental impacts of those launches.
The agency noted that a 2025 environmental review did not analyze temporary airspace closures, proposed contingency landing areas or specific rocket trajectories.
Space expert: Noise could be a top concern with Starship launches
What they're saying:
Local space expert Ken Kremer said noise remains a top concern because Starship generates 10 times the power than the Falcon 9 rocket. Kremer noted that frequent launches could disrupt airports, and travel and tourism.
"That is going to impact tourists who come here, that is going to impact the regular population here that wants to come in and out of these airports," said Kremer.
What we don't know:
It's not clear if or how Starship launches could or would impact flights at nearby airports. The FAA has not specified when it will start or finish its impact.
FAA wants to hear your thoughts
What you can do:
The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposed launch license update through Oct. 14. Community members can submit feedback, questions and concerns regarding noise, environmental impacts and airspace closures directly through the FAA's online portal.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX 35's Esther Bower, using info from FAA, SpaceX, and analysis from space expert Ken Kremer.