Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2024 / Notices 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. 

Tommy W. Lee, 

Acting Air Force Federal Register Liaison 

Officer. 

[FR Doc. 2024–29446 Filed 12–12–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3911–44–P 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Department of the Air Force 

Notice of Adoption of Categorical 

Exclusions Under the National 

Environmental Policy Act; Correction 

AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, 

Department of Defense. 

ACTION: Notice of adoption of categorical 

exclusions; correction. 

SUMMARY: This document corrects the 

description for five categorical 

exclusions (CATEXes) adopted by the 

Department of the Air Force through 

posting in the Federal Register on 25 

November 2024. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. 

Jack Bush, DAF NEPA Policy and 

Execution Oversite, 703–695–1773, 

af.a4c.nepaworkflow@us.af.mil. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Correction 

In the Federal Register of November 

25, 2024, in FR Doc. 2024–27545, on 

pages 92912 and 92913, the following 

corrections are made: 

On page 92912 in the third column for 

DON CATEX (f)(27), the word ‘‘like’’ is 

corrected to ‘‘similar to’’ in the 

sentence. 


khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICES
100988 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2024 / Notices 

On page 92912 in the third column for 

DON CATEX (f)(33), the word ‘‘like’’ is 

corrected to ‘‘similar to’’ in the first 

sentence. 

On page 92913 in the second column, 

NASA CATEX (d)(2)(i) is revised to 

read: ‘‘(d)(2)(i) Routine maintenance, 

minor construction or rehabilitation, 

minor demolition, minor modification, 

minor repair, and continuing or altered 

operations at, or of, existing NASA or 

NASA-funded or -approved facilities 

and equipment, such as buildings, 

roads, grounds, utilities, communication 

systems, and ground support systems 

(e.g., space tracking and data systems). 

This includes routine operations such as 

security, public health and safety, and 

environmental services.’’ 

On page 92913 in the second column, 

NASA CATEX (d)(3)(i) is revised to 

read: ‘‘(d)(3)(i) Research, development, 

testing, and evaluation in compliance 

with all applicable Federal, state, Tribal, 

or local laws or requirements and 

Executive Orders. This includes the 

research, development, testing, and 

evaluation of scientific instruments 

proposed for use on spacecraft, aircraft 

(including unmanned aircraft systems), 

sounding rockets, balloons, laboratories, 

watercraft, or other outdoor activities.’’ 

On page 92913 in the second column, 

NASA CATEX (d)(3)(iii) is revised to 

read: ‘‘(d)(3)(iii) Use of lasers for 

research and development, scientific 

instruments and measurements, and 

distance and ranging, where such use 

meets all applicable Federal, state, 

Tribal, or local laws or requirements 

and Executive orders. This includes 

lasers associated with spacecraft, 

aircraft (including unmanned aircraft 

systems), sounding rockets, balloons, 

laboratories, watercraft, or other outdoor 

activities.’’ 

Tommy W. Lee, 

Acting Air Force Federal Register Liaison 

Officer. 

[FR Doc. 2024–29352 Filed 12–12–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3911–44–P 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Office of the Secretary 

Defense Science Board; Notice of 

Federal Advisory Committee Meeting 

AGENCY: Under Secretary of Defense for 

Research and Engineering, Department 

of Defense (DoD). 

ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory 

Committee meeting. 

SUMMARY: The DoD is publishing this 

notice to announce that the following 

Federal Advisory Committee meeting of 

the Defense Science Board (DSB) will 

take place. 

DATES: Closed to the public Wednesday, 

January 15, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 

p.m. Eastern time. 

ADDRESSES: The address of the closed 

meeting is the Pentagon, Room 3E188, 

Washington, DC 20301. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Elizabeth J. Kowalski, Designated 

Federal Officer (DFO): (703) 571–0081 

(Voice), (703) 697–1860 (Facsimile), 

elizabeth.j.kowalski.civ@mail.mil, 

(Email). Mailing address is Defense 

Science Board, 3140 Defense Pentagon, 

Washington, DC 20301–3140. Website: 

http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/. The most 

up-to-date changes to the meeting 

agenda can be found on the website. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 

meeting is being held under the 

provisions of chapter 10 of title 5, 

United States Code (U.S.C.) (commonly 

known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory 

Committee Act’’ or ‘‘FACA’’); 5 U.S.C. 

552b(c); and sections 102–3.140 and 

102–3.150 of title 41, Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR). 

Purpose of the Meeting: The mission 

of the DSB is to provide independent 

advice and recommendations to the 

Secretary of Defense on matters relating 

to the DoD’s scientific and technical 

enterprise. The objective of the meeting 

is to obtain, review, and evaluate 

classified information related to the 

DSB’s mission. The DSB will meet with 

DoD Leadership to discuss classified 

current and future national security 

challenges and priorities within the DoD 

and deliberate and vote on findings and 

recommendations. 

Agenda: The meeting will begin on 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 8:15 

a.m. Ms. Betsy Kowalski, DFO, and Dr. 

Eric Evans, Chair of the DSB, will 

provide classified opening remarks 

regarding ongoing studies. Next, from 9 

a.m. to 9:30 a.m. the board will 

deliberate and vote on the classified 

findings and recommendations of the 

DSB Task Force on 21st Century 

Industrial Base for National Defense. 

From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dr. 

Christopher Scolese, National 

Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Director, 

will provide a classified briefing on his 

views of current NRO strategy, 

challenges, and priorities. Following a 

15-minute break, the DSB will hold a 

session from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

that includes a classified discussion to 

deliberate and vote on the findings and 

recommendations of the DSB Task Force 

on Balancing Security, Reliability, and 

Technological Advantage in Generative 

Artificial Intelligence for Defense. 

Following a break from 12:30 p.m. to 

1:30 p.m., the DSB Members will hold 

a classified discussion to deliberate and 

vote on the findings and 

recommendations of the DSB Task Force 

on Emerging Biotechnologies and 

National Security. After the final break 

of the day from 3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., 

General Reed, Commander U.S. 

Transportation Command 

(TRANSCOM), will provide a classified 

briefing from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on 

his views of current TRANSCOM 

strategy, challenges, and priorities 

(VTC). The meeting will adjourn at 4:15 

p.m. 

Meeting Accessibility: In accordance 

with 5 U.S.C. 1009(d) and 41 CFR 102– 

3.155, the DoD has determined that the 

DSB meeting will be closed to the 

public. Specifically, the Under Secretary 

of Defense for Research and 

Engineering, in consultation with the 

DoD Office of the General Counsel, has 

determined in writing that the meeting 

will be closed to the public because it 

will consider matters covered by 5 

U.S.C. 552b(c)(1). The determination is 

based on the consideration that it is 

expected that discussions throughout 

will involve classified matters of 

national security concern. Such 

classified material is so intertwined 

with the unclassified material that it 

cannot reasonably be segregated into 

separate discussions without defeating 

the effectiveness and meaning of the 

overall meetings. To permit the meeting 

to be open to the public would preclude 

discussion of such matters and would 

greatly diminish the ultimate utility of 

the DSB’s findings and 

recommendations to the Secretary of 

Defense and to the Under Secretary of 

Defense for Research and Engineering. 

Written Statements: In accordance 

with 5 U.S.C. 1009(a)(3) and 41 CFR 

102–3.150(6) and 102–3.140, interested 

persons may submit a written statement 

for consideration by the DSB at any time 

regarding its mission or in response to 

the stated agenda of a planned meeting. 

Individuals submitting a written 

statement should submit their statement 

to Ms. Elizabeth J. Kowalski, the DSB 

DFO, via electronic mail (the preferred 

mode of submission) at the email 

address provided above in the FOR

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. 

Each page of the comment or statement 

must include the author’s name, title or 

affiliation, address and daytime phone 

number. If a written statement is not 

received at least three calendar days 

prior to the scheduled meeting, which is 

the subject of this notice, then it may 

not be provided to or considered by the 

DSB until a later date. Please note that 

all submitted comments and statements 

will be treated as public documents and 


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