The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment (EA) covering proposed updates to SpaceX’s Starship-Super Heavy operations at its Boca Chica launch site in Cameron County, Texas. The document details changes that SpaceX has requested to its operator license, including new launch trajectories and updated “Return to Launch Site” (RTLS) profiles for Starship landings.
These modifications would also involve temporary airspace closures around Boca Chica, which the FAA is now seeking public input on. Comments on the Draft Tiered EA are open until October 20, 2025, with a virtual public meeting scheduled for October 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CT. During the meeting, the FAA will present details of the proposal and allow participants to provide oral comments of up to three minutes each.
While the changes are framed as technical updates, they could serve as a precursor to something much bigger. Elon Musk has said SpaceX is targeting its first attempt to “catch” a returning Starship as early as 2026. Adjusting Starship’s RTLS flight profiles could lay the groundwork for those catch operations, which would see the massive vehicle being grabbed by launch tower arms on re-entry.
The timing aligns with SpaceX’s next big milestones. Following Starship’s 10th successful test flight last month, the company is preparing to introduce its upgraded Starship V3, with Musk noting that “heavy flight activity” is expected to begin in 2026. Looking further ahead, Starship V4 is targeted for 2027.
SpaceX is also expanding its infrastructure, recently confirming plans to add new Starship launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Together with the changes under review at Boca Chica, these steps highlight SpaceX’s push to scale Starship operations and prepare for higher flight cadence in the coming years.
For those interested, details on the Draft Tiered EA and the upcoming public meeting are available on the FAA’s website.
