SpaceX's Starship rocket is set for its 13th test flight tomorrow from Texas, but concerns are mounting along Brevard County's Space Coast about the rocket's impact on local infrastructure. The 400-foot-tall vehicle, which generates about 10 times the thrust of a Falcon 9, could soon be tested near Cape Canaveral, raising fears about building safety. 'This one, I'm terrified it's going to destroy my house,' said one homeowner in a recent interview.
The rocket's power has already caused damage in Texas, where residents near Star Base have reported cracked foundations and shattered windows from repeated test explosions. Becca Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, said homes have been 'physically destroyed' by the testing. 'Every time they test this rocket, our homes shake,' she said. Jorge Reyna, a local resident, described how his children have been traumatized by the explosions.
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration held public meetings in Brevard County where residents raised infrastructure concerns. Questions focused on whether existing buildings could withstand the vibrations from Starship's powerful engines. SpaceX has not publicly addressed specific safety measures for East Coast testing, though the company has stated the rocket is designed for heavy-lift missions.
Local officials have not yet commented on the potential risks, but some residents are taking action. A group of homeowners in Brevard County is preparing legal challenges against SpaceX, citing inadequate safety assessments. 'We've been forced to experience nearly 20 explosions over the last couple of years,' said one Texas resident. 'This is not just about rockets—it's about our homes.'