FAA Scopes More Starship Blasts at Texas Spaceport—Public Yell Now!
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is getting ready to study how SpaceX’s plan to launch and land more Starship rockets at Boca Chica, Texas, plus expand landing spots, might affect the environment. This means more rocket action and some temporary airspace closures, so the public and groups have until November 30, 2026, to share their thoughts. It’s a big step toward making sure space travel grows safely and responsibly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Huge increase in Boca Chica launch cadence
The FAA will analyze SpaceX's proposal to increase operations at Boca Chica from the currently authorized up to 25 annual launches and 50 annual landings to a maximum capacity of up to 456 annual launches and up to 912 annual landings. The PEIS defines Phase 1 as up to 100 launches and 200 landings and Phase 2 as up to 456 launches and 912 landings, with Phase 2 limited to Monday–Friday launches.
No Action keeps current 2025 cadence limits
Under the No Action Alternative, the FAA would not modify SpaceX's launch license and SpaceX would be permitted to operate at the cadence approved in the 2025 Final Tiered Environmental Assessment and Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision—that is, up to 25 annual launches and 50 annual landings. The PEIS will analyze impacts under both the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative.
Temporary airspace closures included
The FAA included issuance of temporary airspace closures associated with the Proposed Action as part of its Federal Action and will analyze them in the PEIS. These closures are connected to the increased launch and landing operations described in the notice.
PEIS will analyze noise, air quality, and health risks
The PEIS will evaluate potential environmental impacts including aviation emissions and air quality; noise and noise-compatible land use; socioeconomics and children's health and safety risks; biological resources; and water resources. The analysis will compare the Proposed Action to a No Action Alternative.
Vehicle recovery may use ocean or expend stages
The document states Super Heavy could land at the launch site, soft water land in the Gulf of America, or be intentionally expended, while Starship could land at the launch site, soft water land in the Gulf of America or the broad open ocean, or be expended in the open ocean. These recovery or expenditure options are within the scope of the PEIS analysis.
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: 2026-20962, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Application for United States Residency Certification
The IRS wants your thoughts on how they collect info for Form 8802, which proves U.S. residency for tax purposes. If you or your business use this form, now’s the time to share ideas on making it easier and clearer. Send your comments by December 14, 2026, so the IRS can keep improving without adding extra hassle or costs.
Next: 2026-20965, Council Coordination Committee Meeting
The Council Coordination Committee, made up of fishery leaders from across the U.S., will meet October 20-21, 2026, to talk about important fishery rules and updates under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This meeting affects fishery managers and anyone interested in sustainable fishing, with chances for the public to join and share their thoughts either in person or online. No new fees or deadlines are announced, but the discussions will shape future fishery policies.