Proposed Action

Purpose of the Proposed Action

The 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 Action

The 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.

Proposed Alternatives

Proposed Action: Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37 at CCSFS

SpaceX would modify, reuse, or demolish the existing SLC-37 infrastructure to support Starship-Super Heavy launch and landing operations.

Alternative 1: SLC-50 at CCSFS

SpaceX 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.

No Action Alternative

SpaceX would not enter into a real property agreement with USSF, would not develop a launch and landing site in support of Starship-Super Heavy launches, and would not apply for an FAA vehicle operator license for Starship-Super Heavy launches from CCSFS.

Agencies Involved and their Responsibilities

The DAF is the lead federal agency as the proposed action would occur on U.S. Space Force property and require real property transfer.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are all cooperating agencies that will assist the lead federal agency (the DAF) in preparing the EIS. Cooperating agencies have jurisdiction by law or special expertise in potential environmental impacts from the proposed action.