The plan of SpaceX to deploy its gargantuan Starship-Super Heavy two-stage tandem from the Kennedy Space Center of NASA has sparked concerns for two rival companies.
The rival firms are warning officials that the massive rocket would be too dangerous, potentially disruptive, and untested for the busiest spaceport in the country and its immediate environment.
SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy
Collectively known as Starship, the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket of SpaceX are a totally reusable transportation system.
The Starship was originally designed for transporting crew and cargo to Earth orbit. It may also do so to the Moon, Mars, and more celestial destinations.
Starship is considered the most powerful launch vehicle that has ever been developed all over the world.
Safety Concerns Regarding Starship Launch in Florida
Both Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance have relayed their written concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the Starship launch.
ULA explained in a 22-page letter that, as the Starship is currently the largest ever made, an accident could end up leading to catastrophic or grave damage. Moreover, normal launch operations could cumulatively affect launch vehicle hardware, structures, and other crucial equipment to support the launch.
The company cited the Starship explosion that took place in April 2023 as it tried to launch from Boca Chica, Texas. This launch ended up spewing debris to a radius of six miles.
Officials from the ULA noted that their launch pad is just three miles away from Starship's pad 39A. Hence, if a similar accident were to happen, the debris would reach the operations of the ULA and may end up hurting individuals or damaging property.
ULA also urged us to keep the Starship in Boca Chica, which is where it currently is.
As for Blue Origin, their officials proposed in a three-page letter to cap the rate of the launches and landings of Starship-Super Heavy. They suggested doing so to a number that would minimally affect the local community, operating personnel, and environment.
The FAA is getting ready to have an environmental impact statement in order to see the possible effects of Starships launching as many as 44 times in a year from the Kennedy Space Center's pad 39A.
SpaceX is also considering having another Starship launch pad in the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Days after the comments made by SpaceX competitors, CEO Elon Musk just shared two words in an X post: "Sue Origin." Some media think that the comments regarding Starship could be a billionaire battle between Elon Musk and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
Space Missions
With Starship missions put to the side, the rockets of SpaceX already make up 46 out of the 49 orbital launches of the Space Coast for this year.
Blue Origin aims to release New Glenn rockets by the end of the year, while ULA has notched the three remaining launches out of 49.
The three space exploration companies are competing with each other to bag contracts from NASA.
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