Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Vehicle at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA just gave the green light for SpaceX to launch and land up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy rockets each year at Launch Complex 39A in Florida. This means more rocket action, new construction, and exciting space missions ahead, all while keeping an eye on the environment. Local communities, space fans, and the environment will feel the impact as SpaceX ramps up its space adventures starting now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
FAA OKs up to 44 launches per year
The FAA issued a Record of Decision (Dated January 29, 2026) and Final Environmental Impact Statement allowing SpaceX to conduct up to 44 Starship‑Super Heavy launches per year and up to 44 Super Heavy and 44 Starship landings per year at Launch Complex 39A (LC‑39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The approved landings may include landings at LC‑39A, landings on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean, or expending in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian Oceans.
Approval allows new launch infrastructure construction
The Final EIS and Record of Decision analyze and allow construction of launch, landing, and other associated infrastructure at and in proximity to Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The document notes the Draft EIS was released August 4, 2025, public meetings were held in August and September 2025, and the public comment period closed September 29, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02107, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
The U.S. International Trade Commission got a complaint about certain NAND and DRAM memory chips imported and sold in the U.S. Companies like KIOXIA and SK hynix are named. The Commission wants your thoughts on how this might affect the public before deciding on possible trade restrictions or orders, which could impact the tech market soon.
Next: 2026-02111, Newspapers Used for Publication of Legal Notices by the Intermountain Region: Utah, Nevada, Parts of Idaho and Wyoming
The Forest Service just announced which newspapers in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming will publish their legal notices starting now. This helps folks know where to find important info about forest projects and how to share their thoughts or objections on time. If you live or work near these forests, keep an eye on these papers to stay in the loop—no surprises, just clear updates!