The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday again delayed the completion of the final environmental assessment for the proposed SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy rocket projects in Boca Chica, Texas. The current estimate is June 13.
In late April, after several delays, the FAA extended the target date for a decision to May 31, saying it was “working to issue a final programmatic environmental assessment.” The agency said SpaceX made multiple revisions to its application, which required additional analysis by the FAA.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said in February that he was “very confident” the new Starship would reach Earth orbit for the first time this year. The spacecraft was designed for travel to the moon and Mars. Even in the “worst-case” scenario, where a full environmental impact statement is required or the legal battle over the issue could drag on, the company has a backup plan in place, Musk said.
Musk said SpaceX will move the entire Starship program to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where SpaceX has received the environmental approvals it needs. The move will result in a setback for the project for six to eight months, he added. Regardless, SpaceX is still aiming to launch what it calls the world’s first private moon mission in 2023, orbiting the moon in Starship and returning to Earth.
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