SpaceX has received federal approval to significantly increase its launch activity at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will now permit the company to conduct up to 25 launches of its powerful Starship and Super Heavy booster rockets annually—an ambitious fivefold increase from the previous limit of five launches per year.

The decision came after a lengthy environmental assessment process, which concluded that the expanded launch schedule would have “no significant impact” on the surrounding environment. This green light follows multiple test launches by SpaceX that ended in explosions, and previous concerns from environmental advocates about potential harm to local wildlife and ecosystems. The FAA acknowledged that other licensing requirements still need to be completed before additional launches can proceed, including assessments of safety, payload, financial responsibility, and policy compliance.

This regulatory milestone arrives just over three months into President Donald Trump’s second term, during which Elon Musk has become a key figure in a broader effort to reduce the size and scope of federal agencies that regulate private industry. SpaceX had initially submitted its proposal to ramp up operations under the prior administration, but the final decision came under the current administration’s regulatory framework.

Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have criticized the FAA’s decision, warning of increased ecological risk and accusing the agency of failing to fully consider the impacts. SpaceX has previously clashed with both environmental regulators and the FAA over issues ranging from pollution violations to licensing concerns. In 2024, the company was fined for repeated violations of the Clean Water Act at its Texas site, and Musk at one point threatened to sue the FAA for what he described as regulatory overreach.