FAA Advances Environmental Review for SpaceX Starship Operations at Kennedy Space Center

The Federal Aviation Administration has made significant progress in its environmental review of SpaceX’s Starship operations at Launch Complex 39A, located at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An overview released on Friday outlines advancements ahead of the expected release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which is anticipated shortly. This update follows a Draft Environmental Impact Statement issued in August 2025 and a public comment period that concluded in late September 2025.

This review process will culminate in a Final EIS and a Record of Decision, designed to examine the environmental implications of both the proposed Starship operations and alternative actions. While the successful completion of this process does not guarantee that the FAA will grant a new commercial launch vehicle operator license for SpaceX, it represents a pivotal advancement.

The study builds on a baseline established in a 2019 Environmental Assessment by NASA but expands its scope in light of SpaceX’s updated proposals to increase operational frequency, develop new infrastructure, and enhance vehicle reusability. The FAA emphasized the importance of allowing SpaceX to conduct development, testing, launching, and landing of the Starship from Florida’s coast, which aligns with national goals for reliable access to space, complements ongoing operations at SpaceX’s facility in Texas, and meets growing demand from commercial interests and NASA’s Artemis lunar missions.

If the current path is followed, projections indicate that SpaceX could potentially conduct up to 146 launches of the Starship annually from LC-39A, SLC-37, and Starbase. The site at LC-39A offers advantages such as favorable trajectories over the ocean and existing infrastructure, facilitating safe launches.

The construction and modification of LC-39A’s infrastructure are largely complete, although final operational status will depend on additional features like a catch tower. The EIS notes that it could approve up to 44 launches per year for both the Starship and its Super Heavy booster, with operations primarily conducted from LC-39A. Other options for booster landings, such as using Atlantic droneships or disposing of boosters at sea, are also considered.

These new figures represent a considerable increase from the previous Falcon family launch activities at the site, given that Starship’s Raptor engines generate significantly higher thrust and acoustic energy. The EIS primarily assesses the proposed actions against a no-action alternative, where the FAA would refrain from adapting the license, which would hinder or prevent Starship launches from LC-39A.

The comprehensive analysis encompasses 14 categories, including air quality, wildlife, and noise, with most impacts classified as negligible or less significant. However, launches are expected to produce higher peak noise levels, reaching between 160 to 170 decibels at close range, as well as potential sonic booms from returning stages that could impact surrounding communities. These effects are deemed manageable through scheduling and optimization of flight paths.

To mitigate potential disruptions, the EIS highlights standard practices and specific measures like wildlife monitoring, noise management strategies, and coordination with local authorities. The public engagement following the release of the Draft EIS generated extensive feedback, which has been incorporated into the Final EIS.

Following this in-depth review, the FAA concludes that the proposed activities will not result in significant, unmanageable environmental impacts, positioning SpaceX favorably to secure a license under the Commercial Space Launch Act. This milestone could facilitate the inaugural flights of Starship from Florida as early as late 2026, provided that final approvals and infrastructure readiness align. The review underscores the objective of advancing reusable spaceflight while preserving Florida’s ecosystems, solidifying LC-39A as an important platform for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.