Proposed Action: Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 at CCSFSSpaceX would modify, reuse, or demolish the existing SLC-37 infrastructure to support Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations.
PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED ACTIONThe purpose of the Action is to advance U.S. space capabilities and provide launch and landing infrastructure in furtherance of U.S. policy to ensure capabilities necessary to launch and insert DAF payloads into space (10 U.S.C. Section 2273, “Policy regarding assured access to space: national security payloads”).NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTIONThe need for the Action is to ensure DAF Assured Access to Space without compromising current launch capabilities and fulfill (in part) the U.S. Congress’s grant of authority to the Secretary of Defense, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 2276(a), “Commercial space launch cooperation,” that the Secretary of Defense is permitted to take action to:Maximize the use of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) space transportation infrastructure by the private sector in the U.S.Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the space transportation infrastructure of the DOD.Reduce the cost of services provided by the DOD related to space transportation infrastructure at launch support facilities and space recovery support facilities.Encourage commercial space activities by enabling investment by covered entities in the space transportation infrastructure of the DOD.Foster cooperation between the DOD and covered entities.
ABOUT THE PROJECTThe U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts of this project. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the anticipated environmental impacts of their proposed actions, disclose their findings to the public, and solicit public input on their proposals. The EIS will:Describe the affected environmentEvaluate potential impacts from the proposed action and alternativesPropose mitigation to avoid, minimize, or reduce the potential for adverse impacts
SpaceX is seeking to build a Starship Launch and Landing complex at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch pad's environmental study process is already underway
Under the proposed plan, SpaceX would take over Space Launch Complex 37 currently in use by ULA for the Delta IV Heavy rocket. This rocket has one launch left so after that, the pad will remain vacant. An alternative to this is building a new launch complex called SLC-50
Taking SLC-37 - which is not a surprise after the LC-49 plan never materialized - would be fascinating, given SpaceX has already entered a lease agreement for the other former Delta pad at SLC-6 in California.
Proposed Action: Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 at CCSFSSpaceX would modify, reuse, or demolish the existing SLC-37 infrastructure to support Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations.Alternative 1: SLC-50 at CCSFSSpaceX would construct infrastructure to support Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations on a site that is currently undeveloped. SLC-50 would become a new SLC between SLC-40 and SLC-37.
I'm confused as to who publishes and updates https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/ . For example, is this website from the Space Force, SpaceX, a journalist, or an environmental group, etc?
They should build it on SLC-48. Going to take forever for the SPMTs to get to SLC-37.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to kick off environmental studies that could lead to SpaceX Starship launches from either the Cape Canaveral facility used by the Delta 4 or a new complex.
Space News article on this. Also the fact that the DOD/Space Force is heading this up feeds into all of the interest in Starship from the military for future purposes. Will see how this plays into NSSL Phase 3, if it does at all.
Quote from: spacenuance on 02/17/2024 09:52 pmSpace News article on this. Also the fact that the DOD/Space Force is heading this up feeds into all of the interest in Starship from the military for future purposes. Will see how this plays into NSSL Phase 3, if it does at all. Yeah, but ... the reality is that this is, in essence, the Starship/SH version of SLC-40. Space Force is taking the lead in this because the land is on CCSFS. Sure, DOD will find plenty of uses for Starship-sized payloads eventually. But it'll be a good while (years) before Starship/SH qualifies for NatSec payloads. There aren't even that many that require SH (and those fly just fine from the civilian side at LC-39A).
Space News article on this. Also the fact that the DOD/Space Force is heading this up feeds into all of the interest in Starship from the military for future purposes. Will see how this plays into NSSL Phase 3, if it does at all. https://spacenews.com/space-force-to-study-cape-canaveral-launch-sites-for-starship/[Feb 17]QuoteWASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to kick off environmental studies that could lead to SpaceX Starship launches from either the Cape Canaveral facility used by the Delta 4 or a new complex.
<snip>... the reality is that this is, in essence, the Starship/SH version of SLC-40. Space Force is taking the lead in this because the land is on CCSFS. Sure, DOD will find plenty of uses for Starship-sized payloads eventually. But it'll be a good while (years) before Starship/SH qualifies for NatSec payloads. There aren't even that many that require SH (and those fly just fine from the civilian side at LC-39A).
Quote from: EL_DIABLO on 02/17/2024 08:32 pmThey should build it on SLC-48. Going to take forever for the SPMTs to get to SLC-37.That's on KSC land, which misses the purpose of having a launch site in CCSFS.
Quote from: edzieba on 02/17/2024 09:38 pmQuote from: EL_DIABLO on 02/17/2024 08:32 pmThey should build it on SLC-48. Going to take forever for the SPMTs to get to SLC-37.That's on KSC land, which misses the purpose of having a launch site in CCSFS.What's the reasoning?
I have to ask... with SH-Starship being so much larger than even Delta IV Heavy, do they have to enlarge the safe areas in case of explosion ? Does Starship needs a "safe explosion area" as large as LC-39s, since it is closer in size from a Saturn V than a Titan III or Delta IV Heavy ?
