Overview
- The FAA on Jan. 30 issued a final environmental impact statement and record of decision allowing up to 44 Starship–Super Heavy launches and 88 landings from LC‑39A.
- Regulators acknowledged unavoidable noise and air‑traffic effects and said disruptions will be minimized through real‑time communications and defined scheduling and deconfliction procedures.
- SpaceX is shifting most Falcon 9 flights, including all Dragon missions, to SLC‑40, with NASA noting crewed launches can still occur from 39A if needed.
- Crews erected a large crane at 39A on Feb. 4 and secured a structure around the crew access arm as the company prepares the site for Falcon Heavy and Starship operations.
- A first Starship launch from 39A is expected in late summer or fall, according to Space Launch Delta 45’s Col. Brian Chatman, following completion of required infrastructure work.