Two launch sites and five landing sites were evaluated for potential use. The final decision on a flight test program was based on programmatic, technical, and other considerations as well as environmental factors. Overall, environmental impacts of the program are expected to be low at all operational sites. Now that the environmental process for the X-33 has been completed, the next major program milestone is groundbreaking for the launch facility at Edwards Air Force Base. Construction crews are scheduled to begin work this week.
Construction is scheduled to be completed within a year.