Starship Coming to Florida

Space X’s new mega-rocket came one step closer to launching from Florida last week with the initiation of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Starship is the largest, most powerful rocket ever built, with a liftoff thrust of over 17 million pounds – twice that of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS), and nearly three times that of the Apollo/Saturn V moon rocket.

A series of public hearings kicked off the Environmental Impact Study last week, a required step before any official launch approvals. The hearing drew comments from Florida residents, environmental activists, and space exploration enthusiasts alike. The meetings, held March 5-7 in Titusville, were initiated by the Department of the Air Force. The official purpose of the meetings was to publicly disseminate information and gather feedback on the potential environmental implications of SpaceX’s ambitious Starship project.

An Environmental Impact Statement resulting from the study will fulfill the FAA’s obligation for an environmental review before issuing Space X a Starship launch license in Florida, and any mitigations deemed necessary will have to be completed before any launches occur. The environmental study, a comprehensive study required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), assesses the likely environmental impacts of proposed federal actions. In the case of SpaceX’s Starship, the study examines the potential consequences of the spacecraft’s launch and landing operations on the surrounding environment, including the impact on local wildlife, vegetation, air and water quality, and noise levels.

At issue are the future launches from Florida of SpaceX’s new Starship Super Heavy, which is currently under development in Texas. The sheer power of such a large rocket will necessitate the development of a brand-new launch complex somewhere on the current Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or on the Kennedy Space Center property.

Starship has faced stiff opposition and court challenges from environmental groups regarding SpaceX’s test facility in Boca, Chica, TX, where three test launches have taken place. Activists there have protested what they believe are extreme environmental impacts from the powerful launches, specifically those in a protected wildlife area. Similarly, Starship launches in Florida will take place within the confines of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which already encompasses almost all of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Given the ambitious governmental plans for the use of Starship, it is all but certain that the launches will ultimately receive a green light in Florida.

Starship is in integral part of NASA’s Artemis project, which aims to return humans to the moon for extended periods, as well as eventually carry astronauts to Mars. NASA’s plans for Starship’s huge payload capacity include placing a space station known as Gateway in orbit around the moon, as well as the use of Starship as a crewed lunar lander. The US Space Force intends to use Starship in launching and maintaining large national security payloads both into orbit, and to the moon. Additionally, Starship will benefit both governmental and commercial space flight agencies with its capability to serve as an “orbital gas station,” refueling satellites and other spacecraft while in flight.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has proposed three options for SpaceX’s Starship launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station: utilizing Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), building a new Space Launch Complex 50 (SLC-50), or opting for no construction. Given the governmental plans for the use of Starship, it’s a safe bet that “no construction” is not really an option.

The idea of building Launch Complex SLC-50 would require the use of land on the north side of Kennedy Space Center. If construction were to occur there, it would necessitate the closing of additional land in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge as well as sections of Playa Linda Beach to the public.

That option would likely face stiff opposition, as the area is popular with locals and tourists and plays an important role in the Titusville area economy. The more likely candidate for the new construction would seem to be SLC-37 on the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Currently utilized by United Launch Alliance for their heavy-lift rocket, the Delta IV, the pad would seem a likely candidate, with ULA’s last Delta IV launch slated for later this month.

The Space Coast has already experienced a record-breaking 72 orbital launches last year and anticipates even more activity. SpaceX’s expansion could potentially bring billions of dollars to the region through direct launch support jobs, associated employment for families, and increased tourism. SpaceX has said their goal is to have the new Starship-Super Heavy launch complex operational by 2026, subject to environmental approvals.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is set for publication in December, followed by a final study due in September 2025, which will determine the viability and environmental impact of these sites
“An Environmental Impact Study is vital for ensuring that our strides in space exploration do not come at the expense of the planet,” explained Dr. Helen Torres, an environmental scientist who spoke at the hearings. “It’s about finding a balance between innovation and conservation.”

The necessity of the EIS stems from the increasing frequency of space launches and their potential to affect the environment adversely. As the Starship program aims to conduct missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, understanding and mitigating its environmental footprint is crucial.

The timeline for the study has been a topic of considerable discussion. Preliminary assessments began in early 2023, with the findings presented at the Titusville hearings marking an important phase in the process. “We are currently in the public engagement stage, which will be followed by a review and revision period based on the feedback received,” noted Michael Johnson, a spokesperson for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is collaborating with SpaceX on the project.

Participants at the hearings expressed a range of opinions. Some voiced concerns about the potential for noise pollution and harm to local ecosystems, while others highlighted the importance of advancing human spaceflight capabilities.

“I understand the concerns about environmental impact, but we also must consider the long-term benefits of space exploration,” said Alex Rivera, a space enthusiast and Titusville resident. “It’s about finding the right safeguards and technologies to minimize harm.”

The feedback collected during the study will be instrumental in refining the EIS and ensuring that the Starship program can proceed with minimal environmental disruption.

As the study progresses, further public engagement and transparency will be critical in addressing community concerns and fostering a sustainable path forward for space exploration. The final EIS report, expected to be released later this year, will outline the project’s environmental mitigation strategies and set the stage for the next generation of space missions.