SpaceX gets even closer to Mars with FAA green light

After months of delays, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is finally gave the green light to the possibility that SpaceX could perform orbital launches with Starship. from the platform of Boca Chica, a city located in Cameron County, Texas. The agency responsible for aviation regulations concluded that the company’s activities in the territory would not entail “any significant impact” on the environment. For now, yes, SpaceX is making some changes to its base.

A company founded and run by Elon Musk. you need to make up to 75 modifications at its spaceport to mitigate the area’s environmental impact, according to one document released by the FAA after the review. After making these changes, SpaceX will have to request a launch license from the administration. Subsequently, the FAA should check and conclude whether the company can carry out orbital launches using Starship, the monstrous spacecraft in which Musk wants to fly to Mars.

This is not the first time the FAA has been conducting an inspection at the SpaceX base in Boca Chica. He already did it in 2014 when the aerospace company’s goal was to perform up to 12 launches per year on two of its rockets: the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.. However, SpaceX has turned its Texas plant into a much more ambitious hub. The region does not only produce various Starship prototypes. Launch and landing tests are also carried out, which, in most cases, were not carried out successfully. Rocket explosions, in fact, caused damage to the surrounding natural areas.

SpaceX has always had a plan B in the face of FAA doubts.