# 2026-01168: No Boating Near SpaceX Rockets: Coast Guard's Rio Grande Ban

2026-01168, Safety Zone; Rocket Test Site, Rio Grande River, Boca Chica, TX, is a Federal Register rule from Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard published 2026-01-22, effective 2026-01-22 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01168
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-01168
- Title: Safety Zone; Rocket Test Site, Rio Grande River, Boca Chica, TX
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Homeland Security Department; Coast Guard
- Citation: 91 FR 2708
- Published: 2026-01-22
- Effective: 2026-01-22
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 1625-AA00
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

No Boating Near SpaceX Rockets: Coast Guard's Rio Grande Ban

## Summary

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Rio Grande River near Boca Chica, TX, to keep people and boats safe during SpaceX rocket tests. From December 22, 2025, through February 28, 2026, no one can enter this zone without special permission. This helps prevent accidents from rocket fuel leaks or flying debris, protecting everyone and the environment without costing you a dime.

## Abstract

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Rio Grande River. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by cryogenics and structural tests of SpaceX rockets at their Massey's test site. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

## Effects PRIA read

- Half‑Mile No‑Entry Safety Zone: cost, low. From December 22, 2025 through February 28, 2026, all people and vessels are prohibited from entering navigable waters within a half‑mile radius of the Massey's test facility near Boca Chica, TX unless you get permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP). The COTP will only enforce the restrictio…
- Small Businesses Near Boca Chica Affected: cost, low. Small businesses, organizations, or local governments that operate on the Rio Grande River near Boca Chica, TX may be affected by the temporary safety zone in effect from December 22, 2025 through February 28, 2026. If your small business is affected, you can contact the Coast Guard representative…

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## Sources
- [2026-01168 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/22/2026-01168/safety-zone-rocket-test-site-rio-grande-river-boca-chica-tx)
- [2026-01168 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-22/pdf/2026-01168.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-01167, Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS); Corrections](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01167)
- [Next: 2026-01170, Amendment of Class E Airspace; New Lexington, OH](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01170)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01168 (as of 2026-06-11).