The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday it is again extending its environmental review date for SpaceX’s Starship launch site, yet again.
The extension of its target date is now set for April 29, 2022. The FAA is reviewing the environmental impact of the launch site at Boca Chica, Texas, ahead of the first full-stack Starship orbital test flight.
The previous date for the review was set for Monday, March 28–that date was announced after its previous deadline was also extended.
According to Reuters, the FAA said: “is currently reviewing the Final (Programmatic Environmental Assessment) and completing consultation and coordination with agencies at the local, state, and federal level.”
A completed environmental review does not mean a vehicle operator license will be granted, as safety, risk and financial responsibility requirements are also needed.
Earlier this month, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said he believed the first Starship orbital launch would take place in May.
SpaceX has a backup plan if the FAA continues to delay Starship’s endeavours. The company would move the entire Starship program to Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where environmental approval has already been granted.
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