In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Space Explorations Technology Corporation (SpaceX), to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals incidental to boost-backs and landings of Falcon 9 rockets at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and at a contingency landing location approximately 30 miles offshore.
Great find... thanks for starting this thread. The federal register thing dates back a bit though, does it not? Or was there a similar notice in the past for something else SpaceX related?
Do other launch providers that just drop their stages into the ocean have to file such things? Seems to me dropping a whole atlas v or delta stage into the ocean would pose more risk to the whales than trying to recover them....In other news, I want a "Save the whales, fly SpaceX" t-shirt .
Quote from: yokem55 on 06/03/2016 06:52 pmDo other launch providers that just drop their stages into the ocean have to file such things? Seems to me dropping a whole atlas v or delta stage into the ocean would pose more risk to the whales than trying to recover them....In other news, I want a "Save the whales, fly SpaceX" t-shirt .It isn't whales, it is pinnipeds.
Even less to worry about, then. Pinnipeds (seals) stick relatively close to shore.
Quote from: Jim on 06/03/2016 08:24 pmQuote from: yokem55 on 06/03/2016 06:52 pmDo other launch providers that just drop their stages into the ocean have to file such things? Seems to me dropping a whole atlas v or delta stage into the ocean would pose more risk to the whales than trying to recover them....In other news, I want a "Save the whales, fly SpaceX" t-shirt .It isn't whales, it is pinnipeds.Even less to worry about, then. Pinnipeds (seals) stick relatively close to shore.
The solution is obvious: require the sea lions to wear hearing protection.
And this time I found the application materials as well:SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Recovery in California and the Pacific Ocean (2016)
After reviewing and analyzing available data and information on existing conditions and potentialimpacts, including the 2016 EA, the FAA has determined the issuance of licenses to SpaceX to conductFalcon 9 boost-backs and landings at SLC-4W or on a barge would not significantly affect the quality ofthe human environment within the meaning of NEPA. Therefore, the preparation of an environmentalimpact statement is not required, and the FAA is independently issuing this FONSI. The FAA has madethis determination in accordance with applicable environmental laws and FAA regulations. The 2016 EAis incorporated by reference into this FONSI.
Looks like SpaceX has now got the all-clear to do both ASDS and RTLS from SLC-4W at Vandenberg AFB.
Quote from: acsawdey on 11/10/2016 06:18 pmLooks like SpaceX has now got the all-clear to do both ASDS and RTLS from SLC-4W at Vandenberg AFB. Still need Air Force clearance
SpaceX close to landing rocket boosters next to its Southern California launch siteBy: Sandy Mazza ([email protected])POSTED: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 - 3:14 p.m. UPDATED: A DAY AGO
While SpaceX hopes to rely on it for most West Coast landings, it also proposed to operate a second Pacific Ocean landing barge 31 miles off the Santa Barbara County coastline to recover boosters diverted from the ground by sensitive base operations.
Doesn't give a timeframe for FAA approval but claims most steps in the approval process are completed:QuoteSpaceX close to landing rocket boosters next to its Southern California launch siteBy: Sandy Mazza ([email protected])POSTED: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 - 3:14 p.m. UPDATED: A DAY AGOhttp://www.dailybreeze.com/business/20170910/spacex-close-to-landing-rocket-boosters-next-to-its-southern-california-launch-siteAlso talks about something else interesting I've missed:QuoteWhile SpaceX hopes to rely on it for most West Coast landings, it also proposed to operate a second Pacific Ocean landing barge 31 miles off the Santa Barbara County coastline to recover boosters diverted from the ground by sensitive base operations.Some more details in the article (including feedback from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service).