The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is now facing a lawsuit against their agency after the April 20 launch of one of the world's most powerful rockets, the SpaceX Starship. The suit was raised by environmental groups who were concerned about what the Starship left behind, which is massive pollution of nearby areas, as well as disturbing the ecosystem around it.
Starship and Super Heavy Booster's launch was a massive success for SpaceX despite seeing it explode, but it is not the only thing it left behind in the Boca Chica area, those around Starbase.
FAA is Facing a Lawsuit from Environmental Groups for SpaceX Launch
Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, Save RGV, and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, are suing the FAA after SpaceX's Starship launch on April 20.
The groups claimed that the flight left debris and ash over a large area, including federally protected species' designated critical habitats, as well as National Wildlife Refuge and State Park lands.
The lawsuit, filed in a Washington, D.C. federal court, seeks to require the FAA to complete the Environmental Impact Statement. According to the groups, the FAA issued SpaceX Starship with a launch license while failing to assess the environmental impact of the launch, granting SpaceX a permit without adequately considering the potential harm to the environment.
FAA's Full Environmental Impact Statement for Spaceflights
Almost a year ago in June 2022, the FAA released the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for SpaceX and its Starship which details what it needs to do to mitigate or lessen what its launch would bring.
However, the regulations issued a launch license to the Starship without the Environmental Impact Statement review for SpaceX, and this could have taken years to finish as per Ars Technica.
SpaceX's Starship and the FAA
SpaceX saw the heat and complaints from environmental groups for its massive rocket's operations in Boca Chica from the environmental assessment, weighing in the public and organization's opinions since 2021.
After delays and extended assessment from the FAA, SpaceX finally received the launch license in earlier this year, with the company immediately looking into launching the spacecraft that undergone several tests first. Static fire tests, wet dress rehearsals, and other final checks were made for the Starship and Super Heavy, to which Musk claimed that it is a go despite not all 33 engines firing.
The launch finally took place, and it is now facing the implications of it, including a spacecraft that exploded, and the debris it left behind.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the space industry and its regulation. As the demand for space launches continues to grow, the environmental impact of these launches must be carefully considered and minimized. The lawsuit highlights the importance of ensuring that regulatory agencies are held accountable for enforcing environmental laws and protecting public health and well-being.
