The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave approval for an increase in rocket launches from the SpaceX Starbase launch site to 25 rockets per year. This decision, which was passed on 6 March 2025, came after a close review of the impact rocket launches from this site have on the neighbouring community.

SpaceX Starbase Gets Approval For More Rocket Launches Yearly

For some time now, the SpaceX Starbase launch site has been able to launch just five rockets per year. However, this is changing as the FAA has approved 25 rocket launches per year to authorize a higher launch frequency now that environmental requirements have been met.

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In the official document for this new decision, we read that “the increased launch and landing cadence of the Starship/Super Heavy launch vehicle would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment.”

The FAA had to assess all possible impacts that this change would have on the neighbourhood. The FAA now requires SpaceX to make some necessary mitigation actions regarding its operation.

The FAA will require SpaceX to limit “water truck deliveries to daytime hours would help reduce traffic impacts to wildlife.” These truck deliveries carry essential supplies like water and various propellants that are crucial to the launch site’s operations.

With the increase in yearly rocket launches from SpaceX, local community members should expect an increase in annual truck traffic. On the State Highway 4 leading to Boca Chica Beach, there will be an estimated increase in yearly truck activities from 6000 to 23,771 trucks per year.

By increasing rocket launches per year from five to 25, we will see a 10.27 million gallon rise in the annual water usage by the launch site. The FAA document says that this increase represents only 0.1% of the City of Brownsville’s 2018 usage and remains well within capacity, and hence won’t be damaging to the area’s residents.

The SpaceX Starbase Launch Site Facing Rocket Launch Delays

Following technical issues during the March 14 Starship launch, activities at Starbase have been paused. While SpaceX has not yet announced a new launch date, the company is working to resolve the issue and comply with the FAA’s updated mitigation requirements.

With this new decision from the FAA, SpaceX Starbase will become more active, serving the needs of the US space industry.