SpaceX has submitted a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows for an increase in the frequency of Starship flights to 456 launches and 912 landings per year at the Starbase complex, located in Boca Chica, Texas. The figure far exceeds the current limit of 25 approved takeoffs for the site and marks the first step in a phased plan that aims to reach a much more intense pace of space operations.
Phases of the expansion plan
The company proposes two phases. In the first, the FAA could approve up to 100 launches and 200 landings per year. In the second phase, the increase to the maximum of 456 launches and 912 landings is contemplated. According to the proposal, the operations of the second stage could be carried out from Monday to Friday, at any time of the day, without time restrictions. The proposal does not guarantee an immediate schedule; the agency must evaluate the environmental impact and other considerations before approving it.
Environmental evaluation and review process
The FAA has announced that it will initiate a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and open a public comment period. In addition, five consultation meetings will be held: four in-person in the Starbase area and one virtual. The environmental review is part of the process to determine if SpaceX can obtain the necessary permits to increase operations.
Importance of reusability for Starship
The design of Starship and its Super Heavy engine allows both components to return after each flight, facilitating rapid reusability and reducing costs. The proposal contemplates up to 912 landings, including both Ship and Super Heavy landings. This feature is key to achieving the company’s ambitious goals of taking humans to the Moon, sending missions to Mars, and deploying new generations of Starlink satellites.
Other launch projects
In addition to Starbase, SpaceX is developing launch facilities in Florida and has announced plans to build a complex in Louisiana that, according to the company, would include ten platforms. Each project has its own planning and authorization processes, but the request for 456 flights corresponds exclusively to the operations planned in Boca Chica.
Long-term prospects
CEO Elon Musk has expressed the goal of surpassing 10,000 Starship flights per year by 2030, which would be equivalent to more than 30 launches per day. Reaching that level would require accelerating the preparation of each vehicle, expanding the infrastructure, and coordinating operations with the authorities. In the short term, the company seeks permission to increase the annual capacity of Starbase, but the increase will depend on the result of the federal review.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
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