SpaceX Launchpad Near Wildlife Area Prompts More Litigation
- Environmental groups, tribe fault agency FAA launch review
- November test flight at Texas site was far less destructive
Located at the southern tip of Texas, the site known as Starbase is surrounded by a wildlife refuge that’s home to various endangered or threatened species.
Photographer: Mark Felix/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
SpaceX’s use of a launchpad neighboring a Texas wildlife refuge for a second Starship rocket test flight is drawing fresh criticism from environmental groups over how the site won approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
A coalition including the American Bird Conservancy and a Native American tribe that sued the federal regulator after an initial launch in April now say the agency failed to address its concerns and didn’t follow proper procedure before approving a second flight, which took place in November.