Name one environment where rocket launches are prohibited.

Rocket launches are prohibited near populated areas or airports primarily due to safety concerns. Launching a rocket in such environments presents significant risks not only to people on the ground but also to aircraft in the vicinity. In the event of a rocket failure or an unplanned trajectory, the consequences could be catastrophic in these areas where human presence is high. Additionally, established regulations and guidelines are implemented by governing bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, to ensure that launches are conducted safely and with minimal risk to people and property.

In contrast, rural areas, mountainous regions, and over water bodies, while they may have their own considerations, do not inherently contain the same level of risk to a large population or operational aircraft that necessitates strict prohibitions.