Coast Guard Cops Rocket Zone on Texas River for SpaceX Blasts
Published Date: 12/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to create a permanent safety zone on the Rio Grande River near Boca Chica, TX, to keep people and boats safe during SpaceX rocket tests. Only authorized folks can enter this zone to avoid dangers from rocket testing. If you have thoughts, send them by January 29, 2026—no costs for the public, just safer waters!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety zone to reduce rocket-test hazards
The rule would create a permanent safety zone to protect people, vessels, and the marine environment from hazards of SpaceX static fire and cryogenic tests (e.g., accidental cryogenic fuel release, projectiles, hot embers). The Coast Guard says a legally enforceable zone provides greater safety than voluntary protocols.
Boaters face temporary no-go zone
If you are on the Rio Grande River near Boca Chica, TX, all vessels and people would be barred from entering waters within a half mile of the Massey's test facility during activated tests unless authorized by the Captain of the Port. The Coast Guard says each activation will typically last 4–6 hours, and the zone is activated immediately before a test and cancelled after it ends.
Enforcement only during explosive operations
The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone only when SpaceX conducts operations that involve explosive material, and will notify the public of enforcement times and dates via Broadcast Notices to Mariners and Marine Safety Information Bulletins. The Coast Guard expects SpaceX conducts tests weekly now and may test as often as daily by the end of 2025.
Coast Guard says small businesses not significantly harmed
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed safety zone would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting the affected river area is shallow with little to no regular commercial or recreational traffic and that delays would be short.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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