SpaceX wants to take rocket launches to a whole new level.
Elon Musk’s company is seeking approval to conduct up to 456 Starship launches every year from Starbase in South Texas. That is more than 18 times the current annual limit of 25 launches.
If the proposed maximum were reached, it would average 38 launches a month more than one per day.
The plan also calls for up to 912 landings annually, because Starship and its Super Heavy booster can return separately after a mission. SpaceX’s long-term goal is to make these giant rockets reusable, allowing them to launch, land, and fly again rather than being discarded after a single trip.
But this is a proposal, not an approved launch schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing an environmental review and will consider public feedback before deciding whether the expansion can move forward.
Such a major increase would also require SpaceX to demonstrate that its vehicles, launch systems and recovery operations can support a much faster pace. Environmental impacts, including noise, wildlife and coastal conditions, will also matter.
If the plan eventually becomes reality, Starbase could become a much busier gateway to space#ElonMusk
Elon Musk’s company is seeking approval to conduct up to 456 Starship launches every year from Starbase in South Texas. That is more than 18 times the current annual limit of 25 launches.
If the proposed maximum were reached, it would average 38 launches a month more than one per day.
The plan also calls for up to 912 landings annually, because Starship and its Super Heavy booster can return separately after a mission. SpaceX’s long-term goal is to make these giant rockets reusable, allowing them to launch, land, and fly again rather than being discarded after a single trip.
But this is a proposal, not an approved launch schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing an environmental review and will consider public feedback before deciding whether the expansion can move forward.
Such a major increase would also require SpaceX to demonstrate that its vehicles, launch systems and recovery operations can support a much faster pace. Environmental impacts, including noise, wildlife and coastal conditions, will also matter.
If the plan eventually becomes reality, Starbase could become a much busier gateway to space#ElonMusk