Federal Register #2026-08732

Coast Guard Establishes Permanent Safety Zones for Rocket Launches in Texas and Special Event in Michigan

This notice announces the establishment of permanent safety zones by the U.S. Coast Guard to protect the public and marine environment during commercial rocket launches and special events. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security - Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi - Locations: - South Bay, Texas (navigable waters) - Gulf of America offshore Boca Chica Beach, Texas - Luna Pier, Michigan (for Freedom Festival event) - Purpose and Scope: - Permanent safety zones established in South Bay, TX and Gulf of America offshore Boca Chica Beach, TX - Zones cover approximately 4.5 and 115 square miles respectively - Enforced only during scheduled rocket launches (typically 4 to 8 hours per event) - Additional temporary safety zone for Freedom Festival in Luna Pier, MI - Enforcement Details: - Entry into zones prohibited during enforcement unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or representative - Mariners notified via Broadcast Notice to Mariners and Marine Safety Information Bulletins - Vessels may request permission to enter during enforcement - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are named; no products or services are being procured - Notable Requirements: - Safety zones are for protection during commercial spaceflight activities (notably SpaceX launches) - Regulation does not include beaches and is limited to navigable waters - Enforcement is event-driven, not continuous

Description

The Coast Guard is establishing two permanent safety zones in navigable waters of South Bay, TX, and the Gulf of America to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from hazards related to commercial spaceflight activities. During scheduled rocket launches, entry into these safety zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi, or a designated representative. The rule aims to ensure safety during rocket launches by restricting access to these areas temporarily. The safety zones do not include beaches and are enforced only during launch events, with provisions for vessels to request permission to enter.

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