SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase the space launch mission capability of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal and commercial customers and to enhance the resilience and capacity of the nation's space launch infrastructure, while promoting a robust and competitive national space industry. As directed by U.S. policy (10 U.S.C. 2273, “Policy regarding assured access to space: national security payloads”; see ( printed page 100987) also the White House's 2021 Space Priorities Framework), the United States seeks to provide greater launch and landing capabilities and infrastructure to support national security objectives, including deploying satellites and other space assets that enable intelligence, reconnaissance, and global security operations. The United States aims to promote a hybrid space architecture that diversifies access to space, reduces dependency on singular systems, and ensures rapid reconstitution capabilities.

The Proposed Action is needed to meet current and near-term U.S. Government space launch requirements from the DoD space launch range that supports launches centered at VSFB (Western Range), specifically for medium and heavy lift launches to polar, geostationary, and other orbits less reliably available elsewhere without compromising current launch capabilities. The Proposed Action is also needed to expand launch capacity by returning heavy lift launch capability to the Western Range. Finally, the proposed action is needed to fulfill (in part) 10 U.S.C. 2276(a), “Commercial space launch cooperation,” authorizing the Secretary of Defense to maximize the use of the capacity of the space transportation infrastructure of the DOD 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 and 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; and foster cooperation between DOD and covered entities. “Covered entity” means a non‐federal entity that is organized under the laws of the U.S. or of any jurisdiction within the U.S. and is engaged in commercial space activities.

Additionally, public interests largely intersect with the government interests identified, including greater mission capability for space exploration, and advancing reliable and affordable access to space which in turn advances the scientific and national security benefits of the U.S.Space Program.

The DAF has identified a Proposed Action, Alternative 1, and the No Action Alternative to be carried forward for analysis in the EIS. Under the Proposed Action, the DAF would authorize Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch and landing operations at SLC-6, including modifications to SLC-6 required to support those operations and construction of landing zones. The DAF would also authorize an increase in Falcon 9 launches from SLC-4, which currently hosts Falcon 9 launch operations, and an increase in downrange landings on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean. The overall launch cadence for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy at both SLCs, combined, would be 100 launches per year. No modification of SLC-4 infrastructure is proposed. The FAA would issue or modify a vehicle operator license for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations and approve corresponding temporary airspace closures for operations. Under the Proposed Action, the existing horizontal integration facility (HIF) located north of SLC-6 would be modified into a hangar for use by SpaceX to support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations. Alternative 1 is the same as the Proposed Action except rather than modifying the existing HIF, DAF would authorize SpaceX to construct a new hangar south of the HIF and north of the launch pad at SLC-6. Under the No Action Alternative, the DAF would not authorize any Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy launches or landing operations at, or modifications to, SLC-6, nor would the DAF authorize additional Falcon 9 launches from SLC-4. SpaceX would not apply for an FAA vehicle operator license for Falcon operations at SLC-6 or increased launches from SLC-4.

Potential effects may include noise, air quality, and hazardous material effects associated with launch and landing operations and construction, as well as effects on biological and cultural resources due to ground disturbance, and operational noise and vibrations. A full assessment of potential impacts to all relevant resource areas will be included in the EIS, including an analysis of environmental effects of the Proposed Action and Alternatives when added to the effects of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. As part of that effort, the cumulative impacts analysis in the EIS will examine the effects of the Proposed Action that was the subject of the Environmental Assessment of Falcon 9 Cadence Increase at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California (EAXX-007-57-USF-1724161195), the final of which was published in November 2024. SpaceX would be required to obtain or modify an FAA vehicle operator license for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy at SLC-6, which could include launch, reentry, or both. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit may be required. The Proposed Action and Alternatives are within wetlands and floodplains; therefore, the Proposed Action is subject to the requirements and objectives of Executive Order 11988 “Floodplain Management” and Executive Order 11990 “Protection of Wetlands”, and this NOI initiates early public review and requests public comment on the Proposed Action and any practicable alternatives.

Scoping and Agency Coordination: Consultation will include, but not necessarily be limited to, consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, consultation under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, to include consultation with federally recognized Native American Tribes, and consultation under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Regulatory agencies with special expertise in wetlands and floodplains, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be contacted and asked to comment. Comments are requested on alternatives and effects, as well as on relevant information, studies, or analyses with respect to the Proposed Action.

89 FR 100986