Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Open a Public Scoping Period, and Hold Public Scoping Meetings, 40526-40528 [2024-10149]

Download as PDF 40526 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 92 / Friday, May 10, 2024 / Notices project-specific actions that require additional analysis. As decisions on specific applications are made, to the extent additional NEPA analysis is required, environmental review will be conducted to supplement the analysis set forth in this PEA. Public Meeting khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES The FAA will provide an overview of the project and potential environmental impacts at a virtual public meeting on May 21, 2024. There will be a questionand-answer session where the public will have the opportunity to ask questions about the project after the presentation. Following the questionand-answer session, the public will have the opportunity to provide oral comments on the Draft PEA. The opportunity to provide oral comment will be given in the order that the requests are received. Comments should be limited to three minutes and must be reserved to the topic of the Draft PEA. Commenters who may need longer than three minutes are strongly encouraged to submit a written comment. The FAA will accept written comments until May 30, 2024. The FAA will not respond to oral comments during the virtual public meeting, but will review and respond to oral comments in the same fashion as written comments in preparing the Final PEA. The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, such as sign language, interpretation, or other ancillary aids, please contact the person listed in the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Open a Public Scoping Period, and Hold Public Scoping Meetings The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Park Service (NPS), Coast Guard (USCG), and Department of the Air Force (DAF). ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS, open a public scoping period, and hold public scoping meetings. AGENCY: This Notice provides information to Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American tribes; and other interested persons regarding the FAA’s intent to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of issuing a commercial launch Vehicle Operator License to SpaceX for the Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle at Launch Complex 39A (LC– 39A) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. SpaceX proposes to construct launch, landing, and other associated infrastructure at and in proximity to LC–39A. The proposal would also include Starship-Super Heavy launches at LC–39A; recoverable Super Heavy booster and Starship landings at LC– 39A or on a droneship; and expendable Super Heavy booster and Starship landings in the ocean. The FAA will prepare the EIS in accordance with the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT National Environmental Policy Act of section. 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing Comments Invited the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, and The FAA invites interested FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental stakeholders to submit comments on the Impacts: Policies and Procedures, as Draft PEA, as specified in the ADDRESSES part of its licensing process. Additional section of this Notice. The most helpful information is available online at: comments reference a specific https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_ recommendation, explain the reason for engagement/spacex_starship_ksc. any recommended change, and include DATES: The FAA invites interested supporting information. The FAA will agencies, organizations, Native consider all comments received or post- American Tribes, and members of the marked on or before the closing date. public to submit comments to inform The FAA will also consider late filed the FAA on the significant issues to be comments if it is possible to do so analyzed in depth in the EIS (e.g., range without incurring expense or delay. of actions, alternatives, environmental Issued in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2024. impacts). The public scoping period starts with the publication of this Notice Derek W. Hufty, in the Federal Register. To ensure Manager, General Aviation and Commercial sufficient time to consider issues Branch, Emerging Technologies Division, Office of Safety Standards, Flight Standards identified during the public scoping Service. period, comments should be submitted [FR Doc. 2024–10232 Filed 5–9–24; 8:45 am] by one of the methods listed under ADDRESSES no later than June 24, 2024. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:15 May 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 All comments will receive the same attention and consideration in the preparation of the EIS. ADDRESSES: Comments, statements, or questions concerning scoping issues must be identified with the Docket Number FAA–2024–1395 and may be provided to the FAA as follows: • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Retrieve the docket by conducting a search for ‘‘FAA–2024–1395’’ and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Please note that the FAA will post all comments on the internet without changes, including any personal information provided. • By U.S. mail to Ms. Eva Long, FAA Environmental Protection Specialist, c/ o Leidos, 2877 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. We encourage you to submit comments electronically through the Federal E-Rulemaking Portal. If you submit your comments electronically, it is not necessary to also submit a hard copy. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment— including any personal identifying information you provide—may be publicly available at any time. While you can request in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background When fully operational, SpaceX proposes that the Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle will offer a heavy lift platform that expands the company’s ability to execute the totality of its current and expected future customers’ requirements. By providing a reusable launch vehicle, SpaceX proposes that the Starship-Super Heavy would deliver efficient access to space and enable costeffective delivery of cargo and people to the moon and Mars. Currently, SpaceX is conducting flight tests of the StarshipSuper Heavy at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, an exclusive use launch site that serves as SpaceX’s primary research, development, and flight test launch facility for the vehicle. In September 2019, NASA completed the Final Environmental Assessment for the SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy Launch Vehicle at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (‘‘2019 EA’’) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts E:\FR\FM\10MYN1.SGM 10MYN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 92 / Friday, May 10, 2024 / Notices resulting from construction and operations associated with utilization of LC–39A for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle in practical applications. LC–39A is a SpaceXleased launch site located on northern KSC property, approximately 3 miles east of NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building. LC–39A currently supports SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches. The 2019 EA established the purpose and need for Starship-Super Heavy at KSC and LC–39A, which was to develop and implement formal agreements with SpaceX for use of NASA assets and to provide services and commodities to enable Starship-Super Heavy launches. Commercial use of KSC real property supports NASA’s mandate to encourage the fullest commercial use of space, supports the goals of the National Aeronautics and Space Act, and advances the National Space Policy that Federal agencies shall ensure that United States (U.S.) Government space technology and infrastructure is made available for commercial use on a reimbursable, noninterference, and equitable basis. The need for StarshipSuper Heavy at KSC aligns with NASA’s Commercial Space Launch Act, as amended, which is to support the U.S. goal of encouraging activities by the private sector to strengthen and expand U.S. space transportation infrastructure. NASA is seeking the support of the Starship-Super Heavy at KSC in its continued mission to expand commercial uses of space and the space industry by facilitating SpaceX efforts to strengthen U.S. space transportation and launch infrastructure and providing greater mission capability to NASA and SpaceX by continuing the development of ever evolving next generation launch vehicles and spacecraft. Additionally, NASA is seeking the support of the Starship-Super Heavy in meeting the U.S. goal of near-term lunar exploration, such as the NASA Artemis and Human Landing System (HLS) programs. SpaceX proposes that the StarshipSuper Heavy at KSC serves to increase the company’s operational portfolio diversity (i.e., the ability to support multiple customer missions at different locations) and capabilities through multiple Starship-Super Heavy launch sites, reduce space transportation costs (including within the Artemis and HLS programs), enhance exploration, support national leadership in space, and make space access more affordable. Within the context of the 2019 EA, the scope of the Proposed Action was defined as infrastructure development and Starship-Super Heavy operations. Infrastructure development included VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:15 May 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 construction of a launch mount for the Starship and Super Heavy Booster, a liquid methane farm, transport road leading from the pad entrance gate to the launch mount, high-pressure gaseous commodity lines, a deluge water system, and a landing zone (including pad). The 2019 EA assessed approximately 24 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year, including lunar and Mars missions, satellite payload missions, and human spaceflight. Starship design at the time of the 2019 EA consisted of seven raptor engines, while the Super Heavy booster consisted of 31 Raptor engines. Starship landing locations included Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), downrange on a droneship (converted barge), and a new landing pad at LC–39A. Landings for Super Heavy, the first stage booster, were proposed to occur downrange on a droneship. Super Heavy booster returns to LC–39A were not considered in the 2019 EA. NASA’s resultant Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued on September 19, 2019, concluded that the environmental impacts associated with Starship-Super Heavy infrastructure development and operations, within the scope of the 2019 EA, would not individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the quality of the biological or physical environment. Since 2019, SpaceX has undertaken infrastructure improvements at LC–39A (e.g., construction of a launch mount) consistent with the scope of the 2019 EA. However, while the purpose and need for Starship-Super Heavy at LC– 39A have not changed, the StarshipSuper Heavy concept of operations has evolved from the original 2019 EA scope. SpaceX now proposes to construct additional launch infrastructure not previously contemplated in the 2019 EA: a Super Heavy booster catch tower, a natural gas liquefaction system and air separation unit for propellant generation, and stormwater/deluge ponds. SpaceX also proposes to launch an advanced design of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicle (up to nine raptor engines for Starship and up to 35 raptor engines for the Super Heavy booster), operate at a projected higher launch tempo (up to 44 launches per year), and land the Super Heavy booster at LC–39A in support of its reusability concept. Starship landings are no longer proposed to occur at Landing Zone 1 at CCSFS. In order to conduct Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations from LC–39A, SpaceX must obtain a Vehicle Operator License from the FAA. Issuing a Vehicle Operator License and PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40527 approving associated airspace closures is considered a major Federal action under NEPA. In consideration of SpaceX’s revised proposal, NASA, as the land management agency, and FAA, as the licensing agency, have determined that an EIS is the appropriate level of NEPA analysis to address the adjusted scope of StarshipSuper Heavy at LC–39A. SpaceX will prepare this EIS under the supervision of the FAA which will serve as the lead agency at NASA’s request (see 40 CFR 1506.5). The EIS will consider the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. The successful completion of the environmental review process does not guarantee that the FAA would issue a Vehicle Operator License. The project must also meet all FAA safety, risk, and indemnification requirements for the appropriate license. Proposed Action The FAA’s Federal Action would include (1) issuing a Vehicle Operator License to SpaceX, as well as potential future renewals or modifications to the Vehicle Operator License for operations that would be within the scope analyzed in the EIS; and (2) developing one or more formal agreements with SpaceX to outline notification procedures prior to, during, and after an operation including Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), as well as issuing temporary airspace closures to ensure public safety in accordance with FAA Order 7400.2M, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters. SpaceX’s Proposed Action within the context of this EIS consists of the totality of Starship-Super Heavy infrastructure improvements and operations, to include those identified in the 2019 EA, as well as those adjusted scope elements described previously. This includes up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year. Launches may occur during the day or at night. Each Starship-Super Heavy orbital launch would include either landing the Super Heavy booster at LC–39A or downrange in the Atlantic Ocean on a droneship or expending the booster in the Atlantic Ocean, no closer than approximately 5 nautical miles off the coast. Starship could also land at LC–39A or on a droneship or be expended in the high seas between 55 degrees south latitude and 55 degrees north latitudes. SpaceX would continue to launch Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions at LC–39A while StarshipSuper Heavy is operational. While infrastructure improvements consistent with the 2019 EA are already E:\FR\FM\10MYN1.SGM 10MYN1 40528 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 92 / Friday, May 10, 2024 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES underway, additional infrastructure improvements at LC–39A associated with the evolved Starship-Super Heavy program to be addressed in this EIS include, but are not limited to, a SuperHeavy catch tower; onsite facilities for propellant generation and propellant storage (e.g., natural gas pretreatment system and methane liquefier); cooling tower; air separation unit; and deluge system. The potential environmental impacts of all proposed construction and operational activities, including those from launch and landing, will be analyzed in the EIS. The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with air quality; biological resources (including fish, wildlife, and plants); climate; coastal resources; Department of Transportation Act, Section 4(f); farmlands; hazardous materials, solid waste, and pollution prevention; historical, architectural, archeological and cultural resources; land use; natural resources and energy supply; noise and noise-compatible land use; socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children’s health and safety risks; visual effects; and water resources (including wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, groundwater, and wild and scenic rivers). This analysis will consist of an evaluation of potential direct and indirect impacts and will account for cumulative impacts from other relevant activities in the vicinity of the action. Concurrent with the NEPA process, the FAA is initiating National Historic Preservation Act section 106 Consultation to determine the potential effects of the Proposed Action on historic properties. Additionally, the FAA is consulting with the USFWS under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regarding potential impacts on federally listed threatened and endangered species. The FAA is also consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service under section 7 of the ESA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act for potential impacts on protected marine species. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, this EIS will comply with the requirements of section 4(f) of the Act, as applicable. Alternatives The Council on Environmental Quality defines ‘‘reasonable alternatives’’ as those ‘‘that are technically and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed action.’’ (40 CFR 1508.1(z)). Through an alternative screening process based on Starship-Super Heavy requirements and the purpose and need, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:15 May 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 the 2019 EA established LC–39A as the approved location for Starship-Super Heavy operations, and infrastructure development based on NASA’s 2019 FONSI is already underway. LC–39A could provide time-critical mission capability to NASA and commercial pursuits via the Starship-Super Heavy. In addition to existing launch infrastructure, LC–39A could provide launch site diversity for Starship-Super Heavy to meet the purpose and need for near-term lunar exploration under the NASA Artemis and HLS programs. Given the above, the only alternative to the Proposed Action as described in this EIS is the No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, FAA would not issue a Vehicle Operator License for Starship-Super Heavy operations at LC–39A. SpaceX would not implement further improvements or launch Starship-Super Heavy from LC– 39A. Potential impacts associated with the No Action Alternative will be analyzed in this EIS. Scoping Meetings FAA will hold three IN-PERSON scoping meetings and one VIRTUAL public scoping meeting. The meetings will allow the public to receive information on the Proposed Action, meet lead and cooperating agency representatives, and provide comments to the record. The IN-PERSON meetings will be held on June 12, 2024, and June 13, 2024. The June 12, 2024, meetings will be held from 2 p.m.–4 p.m. and 6 p.m.– 8 p.m. (Eastern) at the Radisson Cape Canaveral, 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920. The June 13, 2024, meeting will be held from 6 p.m.– 8 p.m. (Eastern) at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, Florida 32953. All meetings will consist of an open house information-station format wherein the FAA will provide information describing the purpose of the scoping meetings, project schedule, opportunities for public involvement, Proposed Action and alternatives summary, and environmental resource area summary. Fact sheets will be made available containing similar information. At any time during the meetings, the public will have the opportunity to provide verbal comments to a court reporter or written comments via a written comment form at one of several commenting stations. EnglishSpanish translation services will be provided at the in-person meetings. The VIRTUAL meeting will be held on June 17, 2024; 6 p.m.–8 p.m. (Eastern); the URL and call-in number for the meeting will be provided in PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 advance on the FAA’s project website https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_ engagement/spacex_starship_ksc. The virtual meeting will consist of a closedcaptioned auto-run presentation describing the purpose of the scoping meetings, project schedule, opportunities for public involvement, Proposed Action and alternatives summary, and environmental resource area summary. Presentations will be run at the beginning of each hour. Members of the public may provide written comments via the chat function during the presentation and for the remainder of each hour. Verbal comments up to three minutes can be given after the completion of each presentation. A moderator will facilitate verbal comments. English-Spanish translation services for verbal comments will be provided. Both English and Spanish versions of the presentation will be made available to the public on FAA’s project website. More information regarding the scoping meetings, along with any published scoping materials, is available on FAA’s project website at https:// www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_ engagement/spacex_starship_ksc. Issued in Washington, DC. Daniel P. Murray, Executive Director, Office of Operational Safety. [FR Doc. 2024–10149 Filed 5–9–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [Docket No. FHWA–2024–0038] Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved Information Collection Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of request for reinstatement of a previously approved information collection. AGENCY: The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval for reinstatement of an existing information collection that is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Please submit comments by July 9, 2024. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10MYN1.SGM 10MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 92 (Friday, May 10, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40526-40528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10149]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Intent To 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Open a Public Scoping 
Period, and Hold Public Scoping Meetings

AGENCY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 
National Park Service (NPS), Coast Guard (USCG), and Department of the 
Air Force (DAF).

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS, open a public scoping 
period, and hold public scoping meetings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Notice provides information to Federal, State, and local 
agencies; Native American tribes; and other interested persons 
regarding the FAA's intent to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential 
environmental impacts of issuing a commercial launch Vehicle Operator 
License to SpaceX for the Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle at Launch 
Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. SpaceX 
proposes to construct launch, landing, and other associated 
infrastructure at and in proximity to LC-39A. The proposal would also 
include Starship-Super Heavy launches at LC-39A; recoverable Super 
Heavy booster and Starship landings at LC-39A or on a droneship; and 
expendable Super Heavy booster and Starship landings in the ocean. The 
FAA will prepare the EIS in accordance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations 
for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, and FAA Order 
1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, as part of its 
licensing process. Additional information is available online at: 
https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship_ksc.

DATES: The FAA invites interested agencies, organizations, Native 
American Tribes, and members of the public to submit comments to inform 
the FAA on the significant issues to be analyzed in depth in the EIS 
(e.g., range of actions, alternatives, environmental impacts). The 
public scoping period starts with the publication of this Notice in the 
Federal Register. To ensure sufficient time to consider issues 
identified during the public scoping period, comments should be 
submitted by one of the methods listed under ADDRESSES no later than 
June 24, 2024. All comments will receive the same attention and 
consideration in the preparation of the EIS.

ADDRESSES: Comments, statements, or questions concerning scoping issues 
must be identified with the Docket Number FAA-2024-1395 and may be 
provided to the FAA as follows:
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Retrieve the docket by conducting a search for ``FAA-2024-1395'' and 
follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Please note 
that the FAA will post all comments on the internet without changes, 
including any personal information provided.
     By U.S. mail to Ms. Eva Long, FAA Environmental Protection 
Specialist, c/o Leidos, 2877 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
    We encourage you to submit comments electronically through the 
Federal E-Rulemaking Portal. If you submit your comments 
electronically, it is not necessary to also submit a hard copy. All 
comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be 
advised that your entire comment--including any personal identifying 
information you provide--may be publicly available at any time. While 
you can request in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    When fully operational, SpaceX proposes that the Starship-Super 
Heavy launch vehicle will offer a heavy lift platform that expands the 
company's ability to execute the totality of its current and expected 
future customers' requirements. By providing a reusable launch vehicle, 
SpaceX proposes that the Starship-Super Heavy would deliver efficient 
access to space and enable cost-effective delivery of cargo and people 
to the moon and Mars. Currently, SpaceX is conducting flight tests of 
the Starship-Super Heavy at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, an exclusive 
use launch site that serves as SpaceX's primary research, development, 
and flight test launch facility for the vehicle.
    In September 2019, NASA completed the Final Environmental 
Assessment for the SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy Launch Vehicle at 
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (``2019 EA'') to evaluate the potential 
environmental impacts

[[Page 40527]]

resulting from construction and operations associated with utilization 
of LC-39A for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle in 
practical applications. LC-39A is a SpaceX-leased launch site located 
on northern KSC property, approximately 3 miles east of NASA's Vehicle 
Assembly Building. LC-39A currently supports SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon 
Heavy launches.
    The 2019 EA established the purpose and need for Starship-Super 
Heavy at KSC and LC-39A, which was to develop and implement formal 
agreements with SpaceX for use of NASA assets and to provide services 
and commodities to enable Starship-Super Heavy launches. Commercial use 
of KSC real property supports NASA's mandate to encourage the fullest 
commercial use of space, supports the goals of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Act, and advances the National Space Policy that Federal 
agencies shall ensure that United States (U.S.) Government space 
technology and infrastructure is made available for commercial use on a 
reimbursable, noninterference, and equitable basis. The need for 
Starship-Super Heavy at KSC aligns with NASA's Commercial Space Launch 
Act, as amended, which is to support the U.S. goal of encouraging 
activities by the private sector to strengthen and expand U.S. space 
transportation infrastructure.
    NASA is seeking the support of the Starship-Super Heavy at KSC in 
its continued mission to expand commercial uses of space and the space 
industry by facilitating SpaceX efforts to strengthen U.S. space 
transportation and launch infrastructure and providing greater mission 
capability to NASA and SpaceX by continuing the development of ever 
evolving next generation launch vehicles and spacecraft. Additionally, 
NASA is seeking the support of the Starship-Super Heavy in meeting the 
U.S. goal of near-term lunar exploration, such as the NASA Artemis and 
Human Landing System (HLS) programs.
    SpaceX proposes that the Starship-Super Heavy at KSC serves to 
increase the company's operational portfolio diversity (i.e., the 
ability to support multiple customer missions at different locations) 
and capabilities through multiple Starship-Super Heavy launch sites, 
reduce space transportation costs (including within the Artemis and HLS 
programs), enhance exploration, support national leadership in space, 
and make space access more affordable.
    Within the context of the 2019 EA, the scope of the Proposed Action 
was defined as infrastructure development and Starship-Super Heavy 
operations. Infrastructure development included construction of a 
launch mount for the Starship and Super Heavy Booster, a liquid methane 
farm, transport road leading from the pad entrance gate to the launch 
mount, high-pressure gaseous commodity lines, a deluge water system, 
and a landing zone (including pad). The 2019 EA assessed approximately 
24 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year, including lunar and Mars 
missions, satellite payload missions, and human spaceflight. Starship 
design at the time of the 2019 EA consisted of seven raptor engines, 
while the Super Heavy booster consisted of 31 Raptor engines. Starship 
landing locations included Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force 
Station (CCSFS), downrange on a droneship (converted barge), and a new 
landing pad at LC-39A. Landings for Super Heavy, the first stage 
booster, were proposed to occur downrange on a droneship. Super Heavy 
booster returns to LC-39A were not considered in the 2019 EA. NASA's 
resultant Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued on September 
19, 2019, concluded that the environmental impacts associated with 
Starship-Super Heavy infrastructure development and operations, within 
the scope of the 2019 EA, would not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant impact on the quality of the biological or physical 
environment.
    Since 2019, SpaceX has undertaken infrastructure improvements at 
LC-39A (e.g., construction of a launch mount) consistent with the scope 
of the 2019 EA. However, while the purpose and need for Starship-Super 
Heavy at LC-39A have not changed, the Starship-Super Heavy concept of 
operations has evolved from the original 2019 EA scope. SpaceX now 
proposes to construct additional launch infrastructure not previously 
contemplated in the 2019 EA: a Super Heavy booster catch tower, a 
natural gas liquefaction system and air separation unit for propellant 
generation, and stormwater/deluge ponds. SpaceX also proposes to launch 
an advanced design of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicle (up to nine 
raptor engines for Starship and up to 35 raptor engines for the Super 
Heavy booster), operate at a projected higher launch tempo (up to 44 
launches per year), and land the Super Heavy booster at LC-39A in 
support of its reusability concept. Starship landings are no longer 
proposed to occur at Landing Zone 1 at CCSFS.
    In order to conduct Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing 
operations from LC-39A, SpaceX must obtain a Vehicle Operator License 
from the FAA. Issuing a Vehicle Operator License and approving 
associated airspace closures is considered a major Federal action under 
NEPA. In consideration of SpaceX's revised proposal, NASA, as the land 
management agency, and FAA, as the licensing agency, have determined 
that an EIS is the appropriate level of NEPA analysis to address the 
adjusted scope of Starship-Super Heavy at LC-39A. SpaceX will prepare 
this EIS under the supervision of the FAA which will serve as the lead 
agency at NASA's request (see 40 CFR 1506.5).
    The EIS will consider the potential environmental impacts of the 
Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. The successful 
completion of the environmental review process does not guarantee that 
the FAA would issue a Vehicle Operator License. The project must also 
meet all FAA safety, risk, and indemnification requirements for the 
appropriate license.

Proposed Action

    The FAA's Federal Action would include (1) issuing a Vehicle 
Operator License to SpaceX, as well as potential future renewals or 
modifications to the Vehicle Operator License for operations that would 
be within the scope analyzed in the EIS; and (2) developing one or more 
formal agreements with SpaceX to outline notification procedures prior 
to, during, and after an operation including Notice to Air Missions 
(NOTAM), as well as issuing temporary airspace closures to ensure 
public safety in accordance with FAA Order 7400.2M, Procedures for 
Handling Airspace Matters.
    SpaceX's Proposed Action within the context of this EIS consists of 
the totality of Starship-Super Heavy infrastructure improvements and 
operations, to include those identified in the 2019 EA, as well as 
those adjusted scope elements described previously. This includes up to 
44 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year. Launches may occur during 
the day or at night. Each Starship-Super Heavy orbital launch would 
include either landing the Super Heavy booster at LC-39A or downrange 
in the Atlantic Ocean on a droneship or expending the booster in the 
Atlantic Ocean, no closer than approximately 5 nautical miles off the 
coast. Starship could also land at LC-39A or on a droneship or be 
expended in the high seas between 55 degrees south latitude and 55 
degrees north latitudes. SpaceX would continue to launch Falcon 9 and 
Falcon Heavy missions at LC-39A while Starship-Super Heavy is 
operational.
    While infrastructure improvements consistent with the 2019 EA are 
already

[[Page 40528]]

underway, additional infrastructure improvements at LC-39A associated 
with the evolved Starship-Super Heavy program to be addressed in this 
EIS include, but are not limited to, a Super-Heavy catch tower; onsite 
facilities for propellant generation and propellant storage (e.g., 
natural gas pretreatment system and methane liquefier); cooling tower; 
air separation unit; and deluge system.
    The potential environmental impacts of all proposed construction 
and operational activities, including those from launch and landing, 
will be analyzed in the EIS. The EIS will evaluate the potential 
environmental impacts associated with air quality; biological resources 
(including fish, wildlife, and plants); climate; coastal resources; 
Department of Transportation Act, Section 4(f); farmlands; hazardous 
materials, solid waste, and pollution prevention; historical, 
architectural, archeological and cultural resources; land use; natural 
resources and energy supply; noise and noise-compatible land use; 
socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children's health and safety 
risks; visual effects; and water resources (including wetlands, 
floodplains, surface waters, groundwater, and wild and scenic rivers). 
This analysis will consist of an evaluation of potential direct and 
indirect impacts and will account for cumulative impacts from other 
relevant activities in the vicinity of the action.
    Concurrent with the NEPA process, the FAA is initiating National 
Historic Preservation Act section 106 Consultation to determine the 
potential effects of the Proposed Action on historic properties. 
Additionally, the FAA is consulting with the USFWS under section 7 of 
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regarding potential impacts on 
federally listed threatened and endangered species. The FAA is also 
consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service under section 7 
of the ESA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act for potential impacts 
on protected marine species. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation Act of 1966, this EIS will comply with the requirements 
of section 4(f) of the Act, as applicable.

Alternatives

    The Council on Environmental Quality defines ``reasonable 
alternatives'' as those ``that are technically and economically 
feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed action.'' (40 
CFR 1508.1(z)). Through an alternative screening process based on 
Starship-Super Heavy requirements and the purpose and need, the 2019 EA 
established LC-39A as the approved location for Starship-Super Heavy 
operations, and infrastructure development based on NASA's 2019 FONSI 
is already underway. LC-39A could provide time-critical mission 
capability to NASA and commercial pursuits via the Starship-Super 
Heavy. In addition to existing launch infrastructure, LC-39A could 
provide launch site diversity for Starship-Super Heavy to meet the 
purpose and need for near-term lunar exploration under the NASA Artemis 
and HLS programs.
    Given the above, the only alternative to the Proposed Action as 
described in this EIS is the No Action Alternative. Under the No Action 
Alternative, FAA would not issue a Vehicle Operator License for 
Starship-Super Heavy operations at LC-39A. SpaceX would not implement 
further improvements or launch Starship-Super Heavy from LC-39A. 
Potential impacts associated with the No Action Alternative will be 
analyzed in this EIS.

Scoping Meetings

    FAA will hold three IN-PERSON scoping meetings and one VIRTUAL 
public scoping meeting. The meetings will allow the public to receive 
information on the Proposed Action, meet lead and cooperating agency 
representatives, and provide comments to the record.
    The IN-PERSON meetings will be held on June 12, 2024, and June 13, 
2024. The June 12, 2024, meetings will be held from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 
p.m.-8 p.m. (Eastern) at the Radisson Cape Canaveral, 8701 Astronaut 
Blvd., Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920. The June 13, 2024, meeting will 
be held from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (Eastern) at the Kennedy Space Center 
Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, Florida 32953. All 
meetings will consist of an open house information-station format 
wherein the FAA will provide information describing the purpose of the 
scoping meetings, project schedule, opportunities for public 
involvement, Proposed Action and alternatives summary, and 
environmental resource area summary. Fact sheets will be made available 
containing similar information. At any time during the meetings, the 
public will have the opportunity to provide verbal comments to a court 
reporter or written comments via a written comment form at one of 
several commenting stations. English-Spanish translation services will 
be provided at the in-person meetings.
    The VIRTUAL meeting will be held on June 17, 2024; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 
(Eastern); the URL and call-in number for the meeting will be provided 
in advance on the FAA's project website https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship_ksc. The virtual meeting will 
consist of a closed-captioned auto-run presentation describing the 
purpose of the scoping meetings, project schedule, opportunities for 
public involvement, Proposed Action and alternatives summary, and 
environmental resource area summary. Presentations will be run at the 
beginning of each hour. Members of the public may provide written 
comments via the chat function during the presentation and for the 
remainder of each hour. Verbal comments up to three minutes can be 
given after the completion of each presentation. A moderator will 
facilitate verbal comments. English-Spanish translation services for 
verbal comments will be provided. Both English and Spanish versions of 
the presentation will be made available to the public on FAA's project 
website.
    More information regarding the scoping meetings, along with any 
published scoping materials, is available on FAA's project website at 
https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship_ksc.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Daniel P. Murray,
Executive Director, Office of Operational Safety.
[FR Doc. 2024-10149 Filed 5-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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