https://gizmodo.com/spacex-starbase-laun...1848768837
INTRO: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed an application from SpaceX to expand its Boca Chica launch site in south Texas, saying the company failed to provide the necessary information.
The SpaceX request calls for the expansion of approximately 17 acres of potentially sensitive land, onto which it wants to build new launching and landing pads, integration towers, parking lots, stormwater mitigation elements, and other launch-related infrastructure. As this land includes wetlands, the SpaceX request requires the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who, under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, must ensure that no harm is done to natural resources or sources of drinking water.
But SpaceX failed to provide the requested information, compelling the Army Corps to suspend the company’s application. The Army Corps advised SpaceX of its decision in a letter dated March 7, which was only recently picked up by news outlets including Bloomberg. The suspended application serves up yet another complication for SpaceX, as it could cause further delays in the development of Starship—a gigantic rocket that will play a critical role in the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. SpaceX is currently awaiting the results of a separate environmental assessment from the Federal Aviation Administration... (MORE - details)
INTRO: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed an application from SpaceX to expand its Boca Chica launch site in south Texas, saying the company failed to provide the necessary information.
The SpaceX request calls for the expansion of approximately 17 acres of potentially sensitive land, onto which it wants to build new launching and landing pads, integration towers, parking lots, stormwater mitigation elements, and other launch-related infrastructure. As this land includes wetlands, the SpaceX request requires the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who, under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, must ensure that no harm is done to natural resources or sources of drinking water.
But SpaceX failed to provide the requested information, compelling the Army Corps to suspend the company’s application. The Army Corps advised SpaceX of its decision in a letter dated March 7, which was only recently picked up by news outlets including Bloomberg. The suspended application serves up yet another complication for SpaceX, as it could cause further delays in the development of Starship—a gigantic rocket that will play a critical role in the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. SpaceX is currently awaiting the results of a separate environmental assessment from the Federal Aviation Administration... (MORE - details)