SpaceX does not apply for environmental permit, and starship launch system is suspected of emitting pollutants without authorization.

CTOnews.com, July 30 (Xinhua)-- SpaceX may have violated environmental regulations by not applying for an environmental permit when using its rocket-launched Flame deflector system, according to CNBC.

The system, designed to reduce the "huge amount of heat and power" generated by the launch of its starship, conducted a full pressure test on Friday. However, the water used by the system may contain pollutants that flow into the ecosystems around SpaceX's starship's super-heavy launch site, including the Gulf of Mexico.

A representative of the Texas Environmental quality Council said that as of Thursday, SpaceX had not obtained a permit for the Texas pollutant elimination system needed to discharge the waste water at the launch site. The representative also said that it had not yet been determined whether SpaceX violated environmental regulations. If there is any violation, SpaceX may be fined by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Musk has previously said that investment in the SpaceX starship project will be close to $3 billion in 2023 (CTOnews.com Note: currently about 21.48 billion yuan).