What Happened
The hearing has drawn about 100 comments from the public including residents, scientists and engineers, activists, and representatives from local indigenous tribes.The public hearing seeks reasons why the FAA should allow SpaceX to launch Starship vehicles from its existing Boca Chica launch site in Cameron County, Texas, and conduct launches originating from this site over the next several years.
The space company would have to first secure a crucial experimental permit from the FAA, which is reviewing the potential environmental impacts related to the proposed activities.
The aviation agency has so far only been given an initial mission profile as SpaceX does not have the full details of all its planned operations.
The hearing began with the FAA saying the noise was estimated to be below levels associated with adverse noise exposure, adding that historical landmarks, biological resources such as endangered species, and water resources are expected to be hit, as per the report.
A majority of the public comments were in support and there were voices of concern as well related to desalination, power, and natural gas plants or a mitigation plan under scenarios such as noise from Starship damaging windows on South Padre Island.
Concerns from the Mexican side, related to colonization, gentrification, and for endangered species were voiced as well.
Each participant was given three minutes to express their views.
