SpaceX Approved for Starship Launches at Cape Canaveral

Will Starship operations devastate Florida's environment and daily life, or propel humanity's multiplanetary future?

Published 1 day ago

SpaceX Approved for Starship Launches at Cape Canaveral

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Above: SpaceX's Starship rocket 38 is seen before launching during the 11th test flight as seen from South Padre Island, Texas on Oct. 13, 2025. Image credit: Gabriel V. Cardenas/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Florida's Space Coast will become the hub of Starship operations and the epicenter of humanity's multiplanetary future — replacing Delta rockets with the fully reusable Starship. With rigorous safety systems, environmental protections, and high launch cadence at SLC-37 and LC-39A, SpaceX can conduct national security and Artemis missions while preparing for Mars exploration. These operations will create jobs, leverage historic military infrastructure, and cement America’s leadership in space for decades to come.

NSF

Spacex on X

Narrative B

Starship launches from Florida threaten public safety and community life with potentially up to 60 beach closures annually, sonic booms waking 82% of mobile home residents, and commercial flight delays across the entire state. The massive rocket's untested reliability also risks destroying historic Launch Complex 39A while disrupting fishing industries, tourism and wildlife in one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries. SpaceX should perfect Starship in Texas before imposing its hazards on Florida communities.

Ars Technica Space