SpaceX has expressed readiness to initiate the launch of its Starship rocket as early as Friday, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The 400-foot system has been positioned at SpaceX's Boca Chica, Texas, "Starbase" for several weeks, awaiting the green light from regulatory bodies. The FAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are conducting assessments to gauge the potential environmental impact of a new water deluge system. This system is specifically designed to mitigate the consequences of the Falcon Super Heavy booster's 33 engines, which caused significant damage during the April 20 launch.
In the absence of the water buffer, the rocket's launch resulted in the destruction of the launch pad and generated a plume of dust and debris that extended over five miles. Subsequently, the rocket itself was intentionally destroyed by SpaceX when the booster failed to separate. The FAA imposed a grounding of the system until numerous safety modifications, including the incorporation of the deluge system, were implemented. While the safety review concluded on Oct. 31, the ongoing environmental study has kept the launch on hold. Although federal agencies have not made official announcements, local authorities are treating SpaceX's Friday projection seriously, establishing a safety perimeter around the launch complex.