14 DAY TRIAL // According to environmental and conservationist organizations in Florida, it is entirely possible that the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) based in Hawthorne, California, will eventually decide to build its newest space port in Texas rather than in the southern state.
Over the past year, conservationists and representatives from the company have been clamoring in front of state legislators over a controversial project that proposes the construction of a launch pad for SpaceX right inside the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
A total of 15 to 16 endangered or vulnerable species live at this location, including scrub-jays, members of the environmental organizations say. All of these creatures are classified thusly by the state and are, therefore, protected by law. A launch pad at this location could have significant negative effects.
Currently, federal reviewers are investigating the potential Texas site that may replace the one SpaceX targeted in Florida. If everything goes well, the company will construct its launch pad there and avoid hampering with the sensitive habitats of Merritt Island, The Orlando Sentinel reports.