World’s largest rocket could soon lift off from Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The world’s largest rocket could soon lift off from Florida.

According to NBC affiliate WESH, SpaceX’s Starship wants to make Cape Canaveral its operational home. First, it will need to get a license from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The administration will evaluate how the world’s most powerful rocket will impact the environment. It will study air quality, coastal resources, and how it will impact animals and the water. It will also evaluate climate, solid waste and pollution prevention, according to WESH.

“I’m so excited. It gives me hope. It gives me something fun to think about,” said resident Debby Hancock told WESH. “We also are environmentalists. So we want to make sure that we’re thinking about the animals and things like that. So I think it’s all a good thing. I just want to see how it’s being done.”

The news station reported that two launch sites will be built or updated at Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to accommodate the massive rocket.

WESH reported that the launch vehicle is expected to stand more than 400 feet fall with a heavy booster bolstering the Starship.

Currently, the Starship is still in the testing phase in Boca Chica, Texas. Once it’s mission ready, it will be moved to Florida’s Space Coast.