Blue Origin is asking federal regulators to allow up to 50 launches of its New Glenn rocket each year from the Space Coast, a proposal that could bring more launch-day crowds, traffic and emergency planning demands to Brevard County. It’s also the same rocket that exploded on its launchpad in May.

The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the request, which would more than quadruple the rocket’s current launch limit. At Jetty Park, one of Brevard County’s prime launch-viewing locations, residents and visitors are used to seeing crowds gather when rockets lift off from nearby Cape Canaveral. Some longtime residents said they welcome the growth.

“Oh, I’m fine with it,” said Clara Bandemer, who has lived in Brevard County for almost 29 years. “That’s technology that’s coming, you know? We should all be happy about it.”

Bandemer said launch days are among her favorite parts of living on the Space Coast.

“We’re getting more and more people every year,” she said. “It’s nice to see anything like that because it brings people together.”

But more launches also mean more preparation for local emergency officials.Don Walker, with Brevard County Emergency Management, said the county activates for every launch. Depending on the mission, the county’s emergency operations center may have a handful of additional essential personnel or dozens of people working.

“That’s obviously going to have an impact on us,” Walker said.

Walker said the county’s role is to be ready if something goes wrong.

“If there’s any type of anomaly involving one of the rockets, we can immediately inform our residents on any kind of safety action they would need to take,” he said.

While Walker said Brevard County is accustomed to supporting space operations and does not have major concerns, not everyone supports a major increase in launches.

Mark Nathan, an environmentalist and longtime Brevard County community member, said private space companies rely on public resources when they launch.

“They’re using our resources,” Nathan said. “It’s not like they have their own emergency people.”

He added, “It’s just not good for anybody.”

The FAA plans to hold a virtual public meeting Thursday night to provide information about the proposal and allow residents to comment. Written public comments will be accepted through Oct. 30.

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