FAA evaluates SpaceX's launch expansion at Cape Canaveral

The FAA has released a draft environmental assessment for SpaceX's plans to increase Falcon 9 launches at Cape Canaveral, proposing to raise annual launches from 50 to 120. A new landing pad will be built, but a second pad was rejected due to environmental concerns. SpaceX aims to land up to 34 boosters annually at the new site. The assessment indicates that the proposed changes will not significantly impact the environment. A public comment period is open until April 24, 2025, with a virtual meeting scheduled for April 16. NASA is also preparing a separate assessment for additional launches at Kennedy Space Center, where SpaceX seeks to increase annual launches from 20 to 36. Both assessments are required under the National Environmental Policy Act.