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• FAA said SpaceX is required to take more than 75 actions to mitigate environmental impacts
• Rocket company will need license from FAA to conduct Starship flight tests and begin operational launches from Boca Chica
US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday published a long-awaited evaluation of SpaceX’s Starship rocket program in Texas, requiring Elon Musk’s company to take more than 75 actions to mitigate environmental impacts before receiving a launch license.
FAA released two critical documents about the decision: A summary of the environmental assessment and a 40-page detailed rundown of the actions the company must take.
The mitigations include protections for water resources, limits on noise levels, and biohazard materials control, among others.
Starship program
SpaceX is developing a 400-foot-tall, reusable Starship rocket to carry cargo and groups of people beyond Earth and needs a license from the regulator to conduct further Starship flight tests and begin operational launches from its private facility.
In November 2020, the FAA began reviewing the program after the company started building up its infrastructure and operations at Boca Chica, Texas.
The aviation agency delayed its final assessment five times in the past six months.
FAA’s ruling of a 'Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact' is still a partial win for the rocket company, saving SpaceX from a more lengthy review process of its operations, known as an Environmental Impact Statement.
Picture Credit: Business Insider
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