By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
SpaceX is set to launch a prototype vehicle at Starbase, the Boca Chica location “as soon as Oct. 13, pending regulatory approval,” according to its official website.
This comes after SpaceX has faced environmental controversies. The company was the center of an open investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality [TCEQ] due to allegedly discharging industrial wastewater into bodies of water without the required permit. The investigation closed on July 30.
The TCEQ was tipped off to the violations after 14 water quality complaints and one air quality complaint. Currently, SpaceX is still pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] for a license. An article from the official FAA website states SpaceX has no plans to have Falcon Launches, and only has a license for testing Starship prototypes. Testing can include static fire engine tests and “a series of suborbital launches (“hops”) from just a few inches to up to 18 miles off the ground.”
The PRESS attempted to contact the FAA for clarification if SpaceX was approved for the launch but did not respond at the time of publication.
According to SpaceX, the launch will test features from the company’s reusable rocket goal, specifically catching the Super Heavy Booster in mid-air.
The SpaceX website stated some sonic booms will be heard in the area. A live stream will begin roughly 30 minutes before the launch. It can be viewed on the SpaceX website, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the new X TV app. The launch window begins at 7 a.m.
The site continues to state that “extensive upgrades” have been made to Super Heavy, Starship, launch tower and catch tower.
“We accept no compromises when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public and our team, and the return will only be attempted if conditions are right,” stated SpaceX.
Starship is said to fly a similar trajectory as the previous flight and land in the Indian Ocean.
A road closure for Boca Chica Beach and State Highway 4 was announced by County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. for Oct. 13 from 12 a.m.-2 p.m. Two alternative dates were given for Oct. 14 and 15.
“Should SpaceX not complete its planned flight-testing activity on Oct. 13, 2024, then SpaceX may use the alternate dates to complete its testing activities” stated Trevino. The announcement stated that only authorized individuals would access the hard and soft checkpoints. No one will be allowed past the hard checkpoints.
Cameron County Parks and Recreation initially published a press release announcing modified hours of operation for Isla Blanca County Park that was later recalled. The release stated the park would close at 8 p.m. on Oct. 12 and that all park visitors must leave no later than 9 p.m. Only current RV Park Campers would have been permitted to remain and access the park and the park would reopen on Oct. 13 at 3 a.m.
The boat ramp facility at the park was said to be closed for the day. However, this statement was later recalled.
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