SpaceX is facing renewed scrutiny over its environmental impact following the FAA’s approval to expand launches at its Starbase facility, according to CNBC. SpaceX was previously limited to five Starship launches annually from its Texas Gulf Coast site. Musk has played a key role in Trump’s second administration, pushing to reduce the size of the federal government and its regulatory oversight. The FAA said its Tuesday decision is only part of the launch licensing process, with additional reviews still underway on safety, policy, and environmental impacts. Environmental groups criticized the agency’s decision, citing damage to wildlife habitats from earlier Starship tests. The FAA’s latest decision follows SpaceX’s successful bid to incorporate Starbase as a city.
