Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corporation on Monday cleared a major hurdle towards more launches of its Starship rocket from a Texas centre.
The US Federal Aviation Administration said the expanded launch site near the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas would meet federal environmental requirements when SpaceX adopted more than 75 measures to address the effects on fish, wildlife and plants.
They include monitoring by a qualified biologist and advance notification to surrounding communities about engine noise and sonic booms from launches.
Opponents had said the conplex endangered fragile wetlands and wildlife.
The decision is a boost for SpaceX’s goal of sending starships to the Moon and Mars, but it does not guarantee an increase in launches.
The environmental review is only one step in the FAA’s approval process.
“SpaceX also must meet FAA safety, risk and financial responsibility requirements before a licence is issued for any launch activities,” the agency said.
The company must also adjust lighting at its site to minimise effects on wildlife and the nearby beach, and co-ordinate with government agencies to remove launch debris from sensitive habitats.
The FAA action finalises a process that took months longer than anticipated.
The agency had originally planned to issue its findings by the end of 2021, but it delayed the decision several times.
On April 29, the FAA said SpaceX’s “multiple changes to its application” had required more analysis.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a lengthy biological opinion in May that suggested conservation measures by SpaceX to minimise effects on local wildlife.
SpaceX’s Boca Chica site, at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexican border, is the company’s assembly site for its massive, fully reusable Starship rocket system.
Mr Musk said in February that the vehicle would mark a paradigm shift for the launch industry as it will be able to lift 100 tonnes to orbit for $10 million or less — essentially just the cost of fuel — enabling greater commercial activity in space and a human expansion to Mars.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
RESULT
Wolves 1 (Traore 67')
Tottenham 2 (Moura 8', Vertonghen 90 1')
Man of the Match: Adama Traore (Wolves)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
