STARBASE, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration has completed an environmental review of an additional Starship return trajectory to SpaceX’s Boca Chica launch site and associated temporary airspace closures.
The agency released a final tiered environmental assessment and a finding of no significant impact and record of decision. The review covers updated operations for additional Starship-Super Heavy launch trajectories and return-to-launch-site mission profiles.
The FAA said the proposed action would allow it to modify SpaceX’s vehicle operator license to authorize the updated trajectories and Starship landings at Starbase. The assessment also evaluated temporary airspace closures associated with the proposed missions.
The environmental decision is one part of the federal licensing process. It does not by itself schedule a flight or guarantee approval of a specific mission. SpaceX must continue to meet FAA safety and licensing requirements before conducting covered operations.
The FAA previously released a draft assessment for public review in September 2025. The agency said comments submitted during the review period were considered in preparing the final documents.
Sources:
Original report
