SpaceX’s Axiom-1 mission on Launch Pad 39A with NASA’s Artemis I in the background on Launch Pad 39B in April 2022. Photo: NASA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for SpaceX Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, including how the launches could cause aircraft delays. 

This is part of a process for the FAA to potentially license SpaceX to conduct up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida at Launch Complex 39A, as well as landings of the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage. 

Starship is the massive rocket that SpaceX is developing to reach the Moon and Mars and launch spacecraft. NASA has contracted Starship to deliver humans to the Moon in the Artemis program. SpaceX is currently testing Starship at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, but has plans to bring Starship once it is operational to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

The FAA released the EIS this week and will take public comment on the EIS over five public meetings, starting on Aug. 26.  

The EIS found that Starship launches from KSC and reentries could result in “significant” aircraft rerouting to avoid aircraft hazard areas. Multiple airports may require ground stops due to the aircraft hazard areas. 

The FAA’s report found that the average expected flight delay for launches and booster landings would be approximately 40 minutes and could last up to two hours. For Starship reentries, the average expected flight delay would be approximately 40 minutes and could be up to one hour. 

Starship reentries would impact air routes extending westward from KSC over portions of the Pacific Ocean, Central America, Gulf of America, Caribbean Sea, Florida Peninsula, and Atlantic Ocean.

According to the FAA, the plan involves new construction at LC-39A including an additional Super Heavy catch tower to support landing operations; propellant storage and generation facilities; a methane liquefier; and additional stormwater/deluge ponds. 

SpaceX is planning for the next Starship test flight as soon as Sunday, August 24. It will be a critical test for SpaceX as Starship has had three test failures this year with flights ending in uncontrolled reentry and dramatic explosions that impacted air travel. 

NASA previously completed an environmental assessment for Starship and Super Heavy Launch Vehicle at KSC in 2019 for infrastructure development. But the FAA noted that the Starship-Super Heavy concept has evolved from the scope of the 2019 environmental assessment, with additional launch infrastructure, an updated design, and plans for a higher launch tempo and landing the Super Heavy booster.