SpaceX will be required to takes more than 75 measures to lessen the environmental impacts around the Texas launch site for its Starship rocket
SpaceX is one step closer to expanding the number of launches of its largest rocket at its Texas facility. would have to take more than 75 actions to mitigate environmental impacts from the proposed plan to launch the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle from Boca Chica, Texas. in and around the site near the Gulf of Mexico.
Starship, which is meant to be fully and rapidly reusable, should be able to reach orbits for less than $10 million a flight within two to three years, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said. The company cleared a major Federal Aviation Administration hurdle "SpaceX also must meet FAA safety, risk, and financial responsibility requirements before a license is issued for any launch activities," it said in a press release.
Some of the measures SpaceX would have to take include adjusting lighting at the launch site, removing debris from sensitive habitats, notifying nearby communities in advance about potential engine noise and sonic booms resulting from launches and monitoring by a qualified biologist.In February, Musk said the rocket couldwithin two or three years, a fraction of the traditional cost to launch rockets into space.
This photo provided by SpaceX shows a prototype of its Mars ship, Starship, is launched on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2020 in south Texas. Tuesday night's flight lasted barely 45 seconds, but was an important first for SpaceX's Starship. SpaceX chief Elon Musk