The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the process of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental repercussions of granting SpaceX a Vehicle Operator License for the operation of the Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
Credit: SpaceX
SpaceX's Proposal
SpaceX has put forward a comprehensive proposal that includes the construction of various infrastructures at LC-39A to support the Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle. The proposed structures include:
- Super Heavy Catch Tower: Designed to facilitate the landing of the Super Heavy booster.
- Propellant Generation and Storage Facilities: Including a natural gas pre-treatment system and a methane liquefier.
- Cooling Tower: To assist the cooling systems of the launch vehicle.
- Air Separation Unit: To meet the oxygen requirements of the launch vehicle.
- Deluge System: Aimed at fire suppression and supporting the cooling systems. Up to 1 million Gallons of Water is expected to be used during launch operations. For perspective, this is nearly 2.5 times larger than the current deluge system at Starbase
Launch and Landing Operations
The proposal also encompasses the following launch and landing operations:
- Launches: Up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year from LC-39A.
- Booster Landings: Recoverable Super Heavy booster landings at LC-39A or on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Expendable Booster Landings: In the Atlantic Ocean, maintaining a minimum distance of 5 nautical miles off the coast.
- Starship Landings: At LC-39A or on a droneship within the latitudinal range of 55 degrees south to 55 degrees north.
A 2024 map of the proposed upgrades to Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) requested by SpaceX. Graphics: FAA
Purpose and Need
The initiative aims to formalize agreements with SpaceX for the utilization of NASA assets and to provide necessary services and commodities to facilitate Starship-Super Heavy launches. This aligns with NASA's Commercial Space Launch Act, which encourages private sector activities to bolster the U.S. space transportation infrastructure.
Vehicle Design
The Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle consists of two stages:
- Super Heavy: The first stage or booster.
- Starship: The second stage.
- 35 Engines On Superheavy and 9 Engines on Starship
The integrated vehicle is anticipated to stand up to 492 feet tall, depending on its configuration, and approximately 30 feet in diameter. Both stages are designed to be reusable, with refurbishments occurring at SpaceX's KSC facilities.
Operational Procedures
The proposed action includes various operational procedures such as:
- Pre-launch Operations: Ground tests, tank tests, spinprime tests, mission rehearsals, and static fire engine tests.
- Launch Operations: Ignition of Raptor engines, heat plume generation, and temporary airspace closures.
- Landing Operations: Controlled descent of Super Heavy and Starship, with sonic booms during the approach.
Environmental Impact Considerations
The FAA will evaluate the environmental impacts related to:
Noise: From launch and landing operations.
Air Quality: Emissions from launch and landing operations.
Water Quality: Potential contamination from operations.
Wildlife: Disturbances from operations.
Cultural Resources: Effects from construction and launch operations.
Alternatives, including the No Action Alternative, will also be considered.
Public Participation
The public is invited to partake in a 45-day comment period to express their views on the proposed action and alternatives. These comments will be integral to the preparation of the EIS.
Compliance and Cooperation
The EIS will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the FAA's environmental policies. The FAA, along with NASA and other agencies, will cooperate in the EIS preparation, ensuring public accessibility for review and comment.
The FAA's commitment to fostering commercial space transportation capabilities is evident in the meticulous preparation of the EIS. The goal is to execute the proposed action safely, efficiently, and with environmental responsibility.
Add comment
Comments