A federal judge ruled that Space supported.
During static fire tests and launches, SpaceX uses the Deluge system, which sprays water on the rocket engine’s exhaust to absorb heat and prevent it from exploding during takeoff.
SpaceX said the system uses “clean drinking water” for testing, but Texas-based environmental groups argue the process poses risks to the environment.
Save RGV, a nonprofit organization based in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, alleges in an October lawsuit that Space He claimed that it was a violation of the law.
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A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket carrying a Jupiter-bound NASA spacecraft lifts off from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, October 14, 2024. (John Rau)
The group requested a restraining order to prevent SpaceX from using its deluge system, halting rocket launches.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) after the lawsuit was filed, the airline said an environmental review had already been conducted to remove environmental hazards from the system.
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“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted a technical review of Starship’s water-cooled flame deflector that uses potable water and determined that its use does not pose a risk to the environment,” SpaceX said on October 10. This was stated in a report on the day. post. “Save RGV has admitted that despite being aware of these obvious facts, it is filing an unwarranted and frivolous lawsuit.”
SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk speaks at America PAC Town Hall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, October 26, 2024. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
In a new ruling, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera dismissed the request for a restraining order, saying a halt to rocket launches could have a variety of negative effects, including on NASA.
“A failure to launch would have a wide range of consequences, not only for the defendants but also for the general public. This would result in the defendants’ agreement with NASA to advance the multibillion-dollar Artemis and Manned Landing System programs. The contract will be significantly delayed and probably scrapped,” Olvera said. I wrote.
The judge also ruled that SpaceX had no negative environmental impact, citing environmental reviews already conducted on the launch system.
“Early in the development of the Starship Super Heavy launch system, it became clear that a deluge system was needed to protect the launch site and surrounding area during launch,” the judge wrote. “The deluge water system sprays a large amount of potable water onto the bottom of the spacecraft during launch to prevent fires and reduce flying dust and debris.”
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a two-person crew lifts off from Launch Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, September 28, 2024. (AP Photo/John Rau)
The decision comes just two months before Musk is expected to work closely with President-elect Trump’s administration.
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Musk will work with Trump and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy on a new Department of Government Efficiency to reduce government spending.
