Public Meeting Commenting on VSFB SpaceX Launches

On Dec. 13, 2024, DAF published a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of authorizing changes to the Falcon launch program at VSFB.

This process invites early public review and requests public comment on Proposed Action and any practicable alternatives. The public scoping period of 45 days will take place from Dec. 13, 2024, through Jan. 27, 2025.

Members of the public are invited to submit comments to inform DAF of potential issues to be analyzed in the Environmental Impact Statement (e.g., range of actions, alternatives, environmental impacts). 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. Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) issuance or modification of a vehicle operator license to Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations at VSFB and approval of related airspace closures.

In-Person Public Scoping Meetings (5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time)

Tue., Jan. 14, 2025   – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1679, 3801 Market St., Ventura, CA 
Wed., Jan. 15, 2025  –  Westside Neighborhood Center, 423 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 
Thur., Jan. 16, 2025  – Dick DeWees Community Center, 1120 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, CA  

Virtual Public Scoping Meeting (6 p.m. Pacific Time)
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025        Zoom link to be made available

The public is encouraged to submit comments. In-person at one of the three public scoping meetings. Via online comment form. Email to: info@VSFBFalconLaunchEIS.com, with the subject line “Falcon EIS”. Mail to: ATTN: VSFB Falcon Launch EIS, c/o ManTech International Corporation, 420 Stevens Avenue, Suite 100