The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved plans to launch Starship from launch complex LC-39A, located at the Kennedy Space Center. The first mission could take place before the end of this year.
To date, all Starship launches have been conducted from SpaceX’s Starbase manufacturing facility and launch site, located near Boca Chica, Texas. However, the company plans to shift its focus to Florida in the future. Back in 2021, it began refurbishing the LC-39A launch complex. It will be equipped with the infrastructure necessary for Starship launches and landings.
However, the question of obtaining permission from the FAA to launch Starship remained. Many members of the public and environmentalists expressed concern that the noise during launches and the sonic boom upon re-entry into the atmosphere could have a negative impact on the local environment. There were also concerns that regular airspace closures could lead to flight delays at several major airports in Florida.
In its decision, the FAA noted that regular Starship launches would indeed have consequences in terms of noise and impact on local air traffic. Nevertheless, the organization decided that the benefits of Starship launches and their impact on the development of the space industry outweighed any negative consequences, and granted SpaceX the necessary permission. It allows for up to 44 Starship launches and 88 landings — 44 for the Super Heavy booster and 44 for the Starship upper stage.
The FAA decision gives the green light to complete construction of all necessary infrastructure at launch complex LC-39A. Earlier it was reported that the first launch of Starship from the new location could take place as early as late summer or autumn 2026.
As SpaceX prepares to move Starship launches to LC-39A, the company is reducing its use of Falcon 9 at this site. Its last mission took place on December 17, 2025. All Falcon 9 launches from Florida in 2026 were carried out from the neighboring LC-40 launch complex.
Earlier, we reported on SpaceX’s plans to build two more launch pads for Starship.
According to Spacenews
