Tensions in the space industry are rising as Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, raises environmental concerns about SpaceX, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Blue Origin has filed a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), seeking to limit the number of SpaceX Starship launches from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
This complaint comes as the FAA prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Starship’s Super Heavy booster, planned for launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Blue Origin’s main concerns focus on the Super Heavy booster’s massive fuel capacity of 5,200 metric tons of liquid methane, which they argue creates safety hazards and could significantly impact surrounding areas, including Blue Origin’s facilities and government operations.
Blue Origin claims that previous Starship test flights have caused environmental damage, with one launch generating intense heat and pressure, akin to a volcanic eruption, and showering debris over nearby areas. Although Starship is still under development and has only achieved limited success in its test flights, it is expected to become the most powerful launch system ever built once completed.
Blue Origin is urging the FAA to consider limiting the frequency of Starship launches, landing operations, and other activities to minimize environmental disruption, though they have not proposed a specific cap on launches.
