USCGFinal Rule

Safety Zone; Rocket Test Site, Rio Grande River, Boca Chica, TX

TransportationEnergyEnvironment

Summary

The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around a rocket test site on the Rio Grande River near Boca Chica, Texas to protect people and property during rocket launches and tests. This means boats and people will be restricted from entering the designated area during testing activities to prevent injuries or damage from rocket operations.

Key Points

  • 1A restricted water area is being created on the Rio Grande River at the Boca Chica rocket test site where boats cannot enter during testing
  • 2The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone and can issue citations or fines to anyone who violates the restrictions
  • 3Rocket launch schedules and safety zone hours will likely be announced in advance so boaters and river users can plan around them
  • 4This protects both the public from potential rocket hazards and allows the test facility to operate without interruptions from river traffic
  • 5River users need to monitor Coast Guard notices and avoid the marked safety zone area during active testing periods

Key Dates

Published

January 22, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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