FAA Draft Signals Approval for 25 SpaceX Starship Launches Annually by 2025

The environmental assessment proposes a fivefold increase in launch frequency from SpaceX's Texas site, with public consultations set for January.

The FAA has released a draft environmental assessment proposing up to 25 annual Starship launches and landings at SpaceX's Boca Chica facility by 2025, up from the current limit of five.
The proposal includes 25 landings each for the Super Heavy booster and Starship, with potential use of the launch tower's 'chopstick' catching mechanism or ocean splashdowns if needed.
Public consultations on the draft assessment will occur in January 2025, with the FAA planning to finalize the decision after reviewing stakeholder feedback.
SpaceX's sixth Starship test flight on November 19 demonstrated successful in-space engine reignition, marking progress toward orbital and operational capabilities.
SpaceX plans to enhance Starship's power by adding more advanced Raptor engines, aligning with its ambitions for lunar and Mars missions.