FAA Approves SpaceX for 25 Annual Starship Launches from Starbase, Texas; Nearby Town Renamed Doge by Elon Musk

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted SpaceX approval to increase the annual number of Starship launches from its Starbase facility in Texas to 25, up from a previous cap of five. This decision follows an environmental assessment that found no significant impact on the quality of the human environment from the increased launch frequency. The approval is seen as a step forward for SpaceX's ambitions to make space travel more affordable and to support U.S. national security. The increased launch cadence is expected to contribute to the development of Starship, which is designed to be a fully reusable transportation system capable of missions to Earth's orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Despite the FAA's findings, some local residents and environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, have expressed skepticism and concern over potential environmental and community impacts from the increased launches. The Sierra Club criticized the draft environmental assessment as inadequate for addressing the risks posed by the increased launch frequency. In addition to the launch approval, the area around SpaceX's facility has seen significant developments. On May 3, 2025, residents voted to incorporate the area as the city of Starbase, with 212 votes in favor and 6 against. This move is expected to streamline SpaceX's operations in the region, as the company's employees, including the newly elected mayor Bobby Pettin, will manage the city. Furthermore, the nearby town of Reid Hope, Texas, 2 miles west of Starbase, has been renamed Doge, Texas, a decision championed by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and approved unanimously by the town council. This reflects Musk's influence in the region, which continues to grow. SpaceX will provide utilities, roads, schools, and healthcare in Starbase.