The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a substantial increase in Falcon 9 launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The decision, announced September 3rd, raises the annual launch limit from 50 to 120. This follows an environmental assessment concluding that a more extensive review wasn't necessary, although SpaceX must implement measures to mitigate environmental effects, such as limiting off-road vehicle use to protect a threatened snake species.
The approval also permits the construction of a Falcon 9 booster landing pad at SLC-40, allowing up to 34 landings annually. This move is part of a broader effort to consolidate launch and landing facilities at Cape Canaveral. SpaceX has already retired Landing Zone 1 at Launch Complex 13, following the August 1st Crew-11 mission launch, and will eventually return Landing Zone 2 to the Space Force.
This decision comes as SpaceX surpasses the previous launch limit, having executed its 52nd launch from SLC-40 on September 3rd. While the increased limit allows for almost daily launches, a company executive indicated that this year and next will likely represent peak Falcon 9 activity, as SpaceX transitions to the Starship program.
Concurrently, the FAA held a public hearing on September 3rd regarding proposed Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. This followed several earlier in-person meetings. The draft environmental impact statement assesses the potential for 44 annual Starship launches and 88 landings. The study indicates significant noise impacts, with up to 14% of nearby residents potentially awakened by nighttime launches and up to 82% affected by Super Heavy booster landing sonic booms. Substantial damage claims are anticipated.
Public comments expressed concerns about noise and vibration, potential structural damage, beach closures, and airspace and maritime restrictions. The report highlights potential flight delays of 40 minutes to two hours for launches and 40 to 60 minutes for landings, affecting major Florida airports. Starship reentries could even lead to airspace closures in Latin America.
“There is the potential that there is going to be significant impact to commercial aviation,” stated John Tiliacos, chief operating officer of Tampa International Airport. “That’s something that the FAA needs to give consideration to and, frankly, come up with a plan to mitigate that.”
The concerns extend beyond aviation. Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, voiced apprehension about the impact on other Cape Canaveral launch sites, particularly considering a separate Space Force environmental review for Starship launches at Space Launch Complex 37. He emphasized the unprecedented scale of potential disruptions from Starship's size and testing: “It’s something that’s not been on the range before, so they need to do a very thorough and careful analysis of that,” he stated. “We are counting on them to do it so we can all use the range.”