The Federal Aviation Administration has approved SpaceX’s plans to launch its Starship system from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, potentially enabling the first mission from the site before the end of the year.
Until now, all Starship test flights have been conducted from SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas. The company began refurbishing LC-39A in 2021 to support the larger rocket, installing infrastructure required for both launches and landings of the two-stage system.
The approval follows environmental and operational reviews that drew public concern over noise, sonic booms during reentry and potential disruptions to regional air traffic. Critics warned that frequent launches could affect wildlife and cause delays at major Florida airports due to airspace closures.
In its decision, the FAA acknowledged that regular Starship operations would have measurable impacts on noise levels and aviation activity. However, it concluded that the broader benefits to the U.S. space sector outweigh the negative effects and granted authorization for operations at the historic launch complex.
The license allows up to 44 Starship launches and 88 landings, covering both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage. The approval also enables SpaceX to complete construction of remaining infrastructure at LC-39A.
Earlier reports indicated that the first Florida-based Starship launch could occur as early as late summer or autumn 2026, depending on construction progress and vehicle readiness.
As SpaceX prepares to transition Starship operations to LC-39A, the company has scaled back use of the site for its Falcon 9 rocket. Falcon 9 missions from Florida in 2026 have instead launched from the nearby Space Launch Complex 40.
