The Federal Aviation Administration has released the long-awaited draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluating SpaceX’s plan to launch its Starship-Super Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The report concludes that the proposed operations would not result in significant environmental harm, paving the way for a positive finding for the company in the final document, due sometime late this year.

According to the draft EIS, the FAA determined that impacts from launch operations such as noise, sonic booms, and visual disturbances—would be “less than significant” when evaluated in the context of the surrounding spaceport and existing activity.

Still, the report acknowledges potential stressors to wildlife, including bald eagles, sea turtles, manatees, and migratory birds, especially during nesting seasons. The closest bald eagle nest is roughly 2.5 miles from the proposed Starship launch pad. In between, another avian raptor, ospreys, probably have dozens of nests. The FAA, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, has initiated formal consultations under the Endangered Species Act and other environmental protections.

The Reports

Instead of one single document, the FAA released 28, and are linked below.

According the FAA:

“The FAA is releasing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for SpaceX’s proposed licensing and operation of the Starship Super-Heavy vehicle at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (Draft EIS). The National Aeronautics and Aerospace Administration (NASA), the Department of the Air Force (DAF), the United Stated Coast Guard (USCG), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Park Service (NPS) are cooperating agencies.”

The Executive Summary of the Draft EIS is available below:

• Executive Summary

The Draft EIS and appendices are available below:

• Draft Environmental Impact Statement
   
• Volume II – Appendix A – Public and Agency Involvement
   
• Volume II – Appendix B.1 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (US Fish and Wildlife Service) Part 1
• Volume II – Appendix B.1 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (US Fish and Wildlife Service) Part 2
• Volume II – Appendix B.1 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (US Fish and Wildlife Service) Part 3
• Volume II – Appendix B.2 – Essential Fish Habitat Assessment (National Marine Fisheries Service)
• Volume II – Appendix B.3 – National Historic Preservation Act Consultation Part 1
• Volume II – Appendix B.3 – National Historic Preservation Act Consultation Part 2
• Volume II – Appendix B.3 – National Historic Preservation Act Consultation Part 3
• Volume II – Appendix B.3 – National Historic Preservation Act Consultation Part 4
• Volume II – Appendix B.3 – National Historic Preservation Act Consultation Part 5
• Volume II – Appendix B.4 – Department of Transportation Act Section 4(f) Consultation
• Volume II – Appendix B.5 – Coastal Consistency Determination
• Volume II – Appendix B.6 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (National Marine Fisheries Service) Part 1
• Volume II – Appendix B.6 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (National Marine Fisheries Service) Part 2
• Volume II – Appendix B.6 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (National Marine Fisheries Service) Part 3
• Volume II – Appendix B.6 – Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (National Marine Fisheries Service) Part 4
• Volume II – Appendix B.7 – Marine Mammal Protection Act Incidental Harassment Authorization Application SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Launch and Reentry
   
• Volume II – Appendix C.1 – Noise Report Part 1
• Volume II – Appendix C.1 – Noise Report Part 2
• Volume II – Appendix C.1 – Noise Report Part 3
• Volume II – Appendix C.1 – Noise Report Part 4
• Volume II – Appendix C.2 – Air Quality Part 1
• Volume II – Appendix C.2 – Air Quality Part 2
• Volume II – Appendix C.3 – Biological Resources Supplemental Information
   
• Volume II – Appendix D – Applicable Regulations by Resource Area

Public Hearings Announced

The FAA is now accepting public comments on the draft EIS, with a public comment period open through September 22, 2025. Four in-person meetings and one virtual session have been scheduled:

• August 26, 2025 — 1:00–3:00 PM and 5:00–7:00 PM at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• August 28, 2025 — 1:00–3:00 PM and 5:00–7:00 PM at Cape Canaveral Public Library
• September 3, 2025 — Virtual public meeting (details available on the FAA’s website)

Members of the public and local stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback. Other than written feedback, this will be the last public opportunity for the public to enter its feedback into the process.

What Happens Next

After the public comment period closes, the FAA will review all input, complete consultations with relevant federal and state agencies, and prepare a final EIS.

Only then will it decide on whether to issue a launch license to SpaceX. The FAA also noted that a completed EIS does not guarantee license approval—SpaceX must still meet all safety, risk, and indemnification standards under federal law.

If approved, Starship operations at Kennedy Space Center would mark a significant expansion of the company’s heavy-lift launch capabilities in Florida, complementing its existing activities in Texas.