Source: http://ecfr.io/Title-14/pt14.4.420
Timestamp: 2019-11-22 13:05:16
Document Index: 789121696

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[14 CFR 420] Title 14 Part 420 : Code of Federal Regulations ';
Title 14 Part 420
Title 14 → Chapter III → Subchapter C → Part 420
§420.1 General.
§420.3 Applicability.
§420.5 Definitions.
§§420.6-420.14 [Reserved]
Subpart B—Criteria and Information Requirements for Obtaining a License
§420.15 Information requirements.
§420.17 Bases for issuance of a license.
§420.19 Launch site location review—general.
§420.21 Launch site location review—launch site boundary.
§420.23 Launch site location review—flight corridor.
§420.25 Launch site location review—risk analysis.
§420.27 Launch site location review—information requirements.
§420.29 Launch site location review for unproven launch vehicles.
§420.30 Launch site location review for permitted launch vehicles.
§420.31 Agreements.
§§420.32-420.40 [Reserved]
Subpart C—License Terms and Conditions
§420.41 License to operate a launch site—general.
§420.43 Duration.
§420.45 Transfer of a license to operate a launch site.
§420.47 License modification.
§420.49 Compliance monitoring.
Subpart D—Responsibilities of a Licensee
§420.51 Responsibilities—general.
§420.53 Control of public access.
§420.55 Scheduling of launch site operations.
§420.57 Notifications.
§420.59 Launch site accident investigation plan.
§420.61 Records.
§420.63 Explosive siting.
§420.65 Separation distance requirements for handling division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives.
§420.66 Separation distance requirements for storage of hydrogen peroxide, hydrazine, and liquid hydrogen and any incompatible energetic liquids stored within an intraline distance.
§420.67 Separation distance requirements for handling incompatible energetic liquids that are co-located.
§420.69 Separation distance requirements for co-location of division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives with liquid propellants.
§420.70 Separation distance measurement requirements.
§420.71 Lightning protection.
Appendix A to Part 420—Method for Defining a Flight Corridor
Appendix B to Part 420—Method for Defining a Flight Corridor
Appendix E to Part 420—Tables for Explosive Site Plan
Source: Docket No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Scope. This part prescribes the information and demonstrations that must be provided to the FAA as part of a license application, the bases for license approval, license terms and conditions, and post-licensing requirements with which a licensee shall comply to remain licensed. Requirements for preparing a license application are contained in part 413 of this subchapter.
(b) Equivalent level of safety. Each requirement of this part applies unless the applicant or licensee clearly and convincingly demonstrates that an alternative approach provides an equivalent level of safety to the requirement of this part.
[Doc. No. FAA-2016-6761, Amdt. No. 420-8, 83 FR 28535, June 20, 2018]
This part applies to any person seeking a license to operate a launch site or to a person licensed under this part. A person operating a site that only supports amateur rocket activities as defined in 14 CFR 1.1, does not need a license under this part to operate the site.
[Doc. No. FAA-2007-27390, 73 FR 73782, Dec. 4, 2008]
For the purpose of this part.
Ballistic coefficient means the weight of an object divided by the quantity product of the coefficient of drag of the object and the area of the object.
Compatibility means the chemical property of materials that may be located together without increasing the probability of an accident or, for a given quantity, the magnitude of the effects of such an accident.
Debris dispersion radius (Dmax) means the estimated maximum distance from a launch point that debris travels given a worst-case launch vehicle failure and flight termination early in flight. For an expendable launch vehicle, flight termination is assumed to occur at 10 seconds into flight.
Downrange area means a portion of a flight corridor beginning where a launch area ends and ending 5,000 nautical miles from the launch point, or where the IIP leaves the surface of the Earth, whichever is shorter, for an orbital launch vehicle; and ending with an impact dispersion area for a guided sub-orbital launch vehicle.
E,F,G coordinate system means an orthogonal, Earth-fixed, geocentric, right-handed system. The origin of the coordinate system is at the center of an ellipsoidal Earth model. The E-axis is positive directed through the Greenwich meridian. The F-axis is positive directed though 90 degrees east longitude. The EF-plane is coincident with the ellipsoidal Earth model's equatorial plane. The G-axis is normal to the EF-plane and positive directed through the north pole.
E,N,U coordinate system means an orthogonal, Earth-fixed, topocentric, right-handed system. The origin of the coordinate system is at a launch point. The E-axis is positive directed east. The N-axis is positive directed north. The EN-plane is tangent to an ellipsoidal Earth model's surface at the origin and perpendicular to the geodetic vertical. The U-axis is normal to the EN-plane and positive directed away from the Earth.
Effective casualty area (Ac) means the aggregate casualty area of each piece of debris created by a launch vehicle failure at a particular point on its trajectory. The effective casualty area for each piece of debris is the area within which 100 percent of the unprotected population on the ground are assumed to be a casualty, and outside of which 100 percent of the population are assumed not to be a casualty. An effective casualty area accounts for the characteristics of the debris piece, including its size, the path angle of its trajectory, impact explosions, and debris skip, splatter, and bounce. An effective casualty area also accounts for the size of a person.
Energetic liquid means a liquid, slurry, or gel, consisting of, or containing an explosive, oxidizer, fuel, or combination of the above, that may undergo, contribute to, or cause rapid exothermic decomposition, deflagration, or detonation.
Explosive means any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that, when subjected to heat, impact, friction, detonation or other suitable initiation, undergoes a rapid chemical change that releases large volumes of highly heated gases that exert pressure in the surrounding medium. The term applies to materials that either detonate or deflagrate.
Explosive division means the division within hazard class 1 of an explosive as defined in the United Nations Organization classification system for transport of dangerous goods, and as determined in accordance with 49 CFR part 173, subpart C.
Explosive equivalent means a measure of the blast effects from explosion of a given quantity of material expressed in terms of the weight of trinitrotoluene (TNT) that would produce the same blast effects when detonated.
Explosive hazard facility means a facility or location at a launch site where solid propellants, energetic liquids, or other explosives are stored or handled.
Flight azimuth means the initial direction in which a launch vehicle flies relative to true north expressed in degrees-decimal-degrees.
Flight corridor means an area on the Earth's surface estimated to contain the hazardous debris from nominal flight of a launch vehicle, and non-nominal flight of a launch vehicle assuming a perfectly functioning flight termination system or other flight safety system.
Guided suborbital launch vehicle means a suborbital rocket that employs an active guidance system.
Hazard class means the class of an explosive as defined by the United Nations Organization classification system for transport of dangerous goods, and as determined in accordance with 49 CFR part 173, subpart C.
Impact dispersion area means an area representing an estimated three standard deviation dispersion about a nominal impact point of an intermediate or final stage of a suborbital launch vehicle.
Impact dispersion factor means a constant used to estimate, using a stage apogee, a three standard deviation dispersion about a nominal impact point of an intermediate or final stage of a suborbital launch vehicle.
Impact dispersion radius (Ri) means a radius that defines an impact dispersion area.
Impact range means the distance between a launch point and the impact point of a suborbital launch vehicle stage.
Impact range factor means a constant used to estimate, when multiplied by a stage apogee, the nominal impact point of an intermediate or final stage of a suborbital launch vehicle.
Instantaneous impact point (IIP) means an impact point, following thrust termination of a launch vehicle. IIP may be calculated with or without atmospheric drag effects.
Instantaneous impact point (IIP) range rate means a launch vehicle's estimated IIP velocity along the Earth's surface.
Intraline distance means the minimum distance permitted between any two explosive hazard facilities in the ownership, possession or control of one launch site customer.
Launch area means, for a flight corridor defined in accordance with appendix A of this part, the portion of a flight corridor from the launch point to a point 100 nautical miles in the direction of the flight azimuth. For a flight corridor defined in accordance with appendix B of this part, a launch area is the portion of a flight corridor from the launch point to the enveloping line enclosing the outer boundary of the last debris dispersion circle.
Launch point means a point on the Earth from which the flight of a launch vehicle begins, and is defined by its geodetic latitude, longitude and height on an ellipsoidal Earth model.
Launch site accident means an unplanned event occurring during a ground activity at a launch site resulting in a fatality or serious injury (as defined in 49 CFR 830.2) to any person who is not associated with the activity, or any damage estimated to exceed $25,000 to property not associated with the activity.
Liquid propellant means:
(1) A monopropellant on a launch vehicle or related device; or
(2) Incompatible energetic liquids co-located for purposes of serving as propellants on a launch vehicle or a related device where the incompatible energetic liquids are housed in tanks connected by piping for purposes of mixing.
Maximum credible event means a hypothesized worst-case accidental explosion, fire, or agent release that is likely to occur from a given quantity and disposition of explosives, chemical agents, or reactive material.
Net explosive weight (NEW) means the total weight, expressed in pounds, of explosive material or explosive equivalency contained in an item.
Nominal means, in reference to launch vehicle performance, trajectory, or stage impact point, a launch vehicle flight where all launch vehicle aerodynamic parameters are as expected, all vehicle internal and external systems perform as planned, and there are no external perturbing influences (e.g., winds) other than atmospheric drag and gravity.
Overflight dwell time means the period of time it takes for a launch vehicle's IIP to move past a populated area. For a given populated area, the overflight dwell time is the time period measured along the nominal trajectory IIP ground trace from the time point whose normal with the trajectory intersects the most uprange part of the populated area to the time point whose normal with the trajectory intersects the most downrange part of the populated area.
Overflight exclusion zone means a portion of a flight corridor which must remain clear of the public during the flight of a launch vehicle.
Population density means the number of people per unit area in a populated area.
Position data means data referring to the current position of a launch vehicle with respect to flight time expressed through the X, Y, Z coordinate system.
Public means people and property that are not involved in supporting a licensed or permitted launch, and includes those people and property that may be located within the boundary of a launch site, such as visitors, any individual providing goods or services not related to launch processing or flight, and any other launch operator and its personnel.
Public area means any area outside a hazard area and is an area that is not in the possession, ownership or other control of a launch site operator or of a launch site customer who possesses, owns or otherwise controls that hazard area.
Public area distance means the minimum distance permitted between a public area and an explosive hazard facility.
Public traffic route means any highway or railroad that the general public may use.
Public traffic route distance means the minimum distance permitted between a public highway or railroad line and an explosive hazard facility.
Trajectory means the position and velocity components as a function of time of a launch vehicle relative to an x, y, z coordinate system, expressed in x, y, z, ẋ, ẏ, ż.
Unguided sub-orbital launch vehicle means a sub-orbital rocket that does not have a guidance system.
X, Y, Z coordinate system means an orthogonal, Earth-fixed, topocentric, right-handed system. The origin of the coordinate system is at a launch point. The x-axis coincides with the initial launch azimuth and is positive in the downrange direction. The y-axis is positive to the left looking downrange. The xy-plane is tangent to the ellipsoidal earth model's surface at the origin and perpendicular to the geodetic vertical. The z-axis is normal to the xy-plane and positive directed away from the earth.
φ0, λ0, h0 means a latitude, longitude, height system where φ0 is the geodetic latitude of a launch point, λ0 is the east longitude of the launch point, and h0 is the height of the launch point above the reference ellipsoid. φ0 and λ0 are expressed in degrees-decimal-degrees.
[Doc. No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Amdt. 420-3, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007; Amdt. 420-6, 77 FR 55113, Sept. 7, 2012]
(a) General—(1) Launch site operator. An applicant shall identify the name and address of the applicant, and the name, address, and telephone number of any person to whom inquiries and correspondence should be directed.
(2) Launch site. An applicant shall provide the name and location of the proposed launch site and include the following information:
(i) A list of downrange equipment;
(ii) A description of the layout of the launch site, including launch points;
(iii) The types of launch vehicles to be supported at each launch point;
(iv) The range of launch azimuths planned from each launch point; and
(v) The scheduled operational date.
(3) Foreign ownership. Identify foreign ownership of the applicant, as follows:
(i) For a sole proprietorship or partnership, all foreign owners or partners;
(ii) For a corporation, any foreign ownership interest of 10 percent or more; and
(iii) For a joint venture, association, or other entity, any foreign entities participating in the entity.
(b) Environmental. An applicant shall provide the FAA with information for the FAA to analyze the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the proposed launch site. The information provided by an applicant must be sufficient to enable the FAA to comply with the requirements of the National Environment Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, and the FAA's Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, FAA Order 1050.1D. An applicant shall submit environmental information concerning a proposed launch site not covered by existing environmental documentation, and other factors as determined by the FAA.
(c) Launch site location. (1) Except as provided by paragraph (c)(2) of this section, an applicant shall provide the information necessary to demonstrate compliance with §§420.19-420.29.
(2) An applicant who is proposing to locate a launch site at an existing launch point at a federal launch range is not required to comply with paragraph (c)(1) of this section if a launch vehicle of the same type and class as proposed for the launch point has been safely launched from the launch point.
(d) Explosive site plan. (1) Except as provided by paragraph (d)(2) of this section, an applicant shall submit an explosive site plan that complies with §§420.63, 420.65, 420.67, and 420.69.
(2) If an applicant plans to operate a launch site located on a federal launch range, and if the applicant is required by the federal launch range to comply with the federal launch range's explosive safety requirements, the applicant shall submit the explosive site plan submitted to the federal launch range.
(e) Launch site operations. An applicant shall provide the information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of §§420.53, 420.55, 420.57, 420.59, 420.61, and 420.71.
(a) The FAA will issue a license under this part when the FAA determines that:
(1) The application provides the information required by §420.15;
(2) The FAA has completed an analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the proposed operation of the launch site, in accordance with NEPA, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, and FAA Order 1050.1D;
(3) The launch site location meets the requirements of §§420.19, 420.21, 420.23, 420.25, 420.27, and 420.29;
(4) The applicant has completed the agreements required by §420.31;
(5) The application demonstrates that the applicant shall satisfy the requirements of §§420.53, 420.55, 420.57, 420.59, 420.61 and 420.71;
(6) The explosive site plan meets the criteria of §§420.63, 420.65, 420.67 and 420.69; and
(7) Issuing a license would not jeopardize foreign policy or national security interests of the United States.
(b) The FAA advises an applicant, in writing, of any issue arising during an application review that would lead to denial. The applicant may respond in writing, submit additional information, or amend its license application.
(a) To gain approval for a launch site location, an applicant shall demonstrate that for each launch point proposed for the launch site, at least one type of expendable or reusable launch vehicle can be flown from the launch point safely. For purposes of the launch site location review:
(2) Types of launch vehicles include orbital expendable launch vehicles, guided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicles, unguided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicles, and reusable launch vehicles. Orbital expendable launch vehicles are further classified by weight class, based on the weight of payload the launch vehicle can place in a 100-nm orbit, as defined in table 1.
(b) If an applicant proposes to have more than one type of launch vehicle flown from a launch point, the applicant shall demonstrate that each type of expendable or reusable launch vehicle planned to be flown from the launch point can be flown from the launch point safely.
(c) If an applicant proposes to have more than one weight class of orbital expendable launch vehicles flown from a launch point, the applicant shall demonstrate that the heaviest weight class planned to be flown from the launch point can be flown from the launch point safely.
Table 1 of §420.19—Orbital Expendable Launch Vehicle Classes by Payload Weight (lbs)
100 nm orbit
28 degrees inclination* ≤4400 >4400 to ≤11100 >11100 to ≤18500 >18500
90 degrees inclination ≤3300 >3300 to ≤8400 >8400 to ≤15000 >15000
*28 degrees inclination orbit from a launch point at 28 degrees latitude.
[Docket No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Docket No. FAA-2014-0418, Amdt. No. 420-7, 81 FR 47026, July 20, 2016]
(a) The distance from any proposed launch point to the closest launch site boundary must be at least as great as the debris dispersion radius of the largest launch vehicle type and weight class proposed for the launch point.
(b) For a launch site supporting any expendable launch vehicle, an applicant shall use the largest distance provided by table 2 for the type and weight class of any launch vehicle proposed for the launch point.
(c) For a launch site supporting any reusable launch vehicle, an applicant shall determine the debris dispersion radius that represents the maximum distance from a launch point that debris travels given a worst-case launch vehicle failure in the launch area. An applicant must clearly and convincingly demonstrate the validity of its proposed debris dispersion radius.
Table 2 of §420.21—Minimum Distance From Launch Point to Launch Site Boundary (feet)
Orbital expendable launch vehicle class
Type of suborbital launch vehicle
7300 9300 10600 13000 8000 1600
(a) Guided orbital expendable launch vehicle. For a guided orbital expendable launch vehicle, an applicant shall define a flight corridor that:
(1) Encompasses an area that the applicant estimates, in accordance with the requirements of this part, to contain debris with a ballistic coefficient of ≥3 pounds per square foot, from any non-nominal flight of a guided orbital expendable launch vehicle from the launch point to a point 5000 nm downrange, or where the IIP leaves the surface of the Earth, whichever is shorter;
(3) Uses one of the methodologies provided in appendix A or B of this part.
(b) Guided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle. For a guided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle, an applicant shall define a flight corridor that:
(1) Encompasses an area that the applicant estimates, in accordance with the requirements of this part, to contain debris with a ballistic coefficient of ≥3 pounds per square foot, from any non-nominal flight of a guided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle from the launch point to impact with the earth's surface;
(2) Includes an impact dispersion area for the launch vehicle's last stage;
(4) Uses one of the methodologies provided in appendix A or B to this part.
(c) Unguided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle. (1) For an unguided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle, an applicant shall define the following using the methodology provided by appendix D of this part:
(i) Impact dispersion areas that the applicant estimates, in accordance with the requirements of this part, to contain the impact of launch vehicle stages from nominal flight of an unguided sub-orbital expendable launch vehicle from the launch point to impact with the earth's surface; and
(ii) An overflight exclusion zone where the public risk criteria of 1 × 10−4 would be exceeded if one person were present in the open.
(2) An applicant shall base its analysis on an unguided suborbital launch vehicle whose final launch vehicle stage apogee represents the intended use of the launch point.
(d) Reusable launch vehicle. For a reusable launch vehicle, an applicant shall define a flight corridor that contains the hazardous debris from nominal and non-nominal flight of a reusable launch vehicle. The applicant must provide a clear and convincing demonstration of the validity of its flight corridor.
[Docket No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Docket No. FAA-2014-0418, Amdt. No. 420-7, 81 FR 47026, July 20, 2016; Doc. No. FAA-2016-6761, Amdt. No. 420-8, 83 FR 28535, June 20, 2018]
(a) If a flight corridor or impact dispersion area defined by §420.23 contains a populated area, the applicant shall estimate the casualty expectation associated with the flight corridor or impact dispersion area. An applicant shall use the methodology provided in appendix C to this part for guided orbital or suborbital expendable launch vehicles and appendix D for unguided suborbital launch vehicles.
[Doc. No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Amdt. 420-3, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007; Docket No. FAA-2014-0418, Amdt. No. 420-7, 81 FR 47027, July 20, 2016; Doc. No. FAA-2016-6761, Amdt. No. 420-8, 83 FR 28535, June 20, 2018]
An applicant shall provide the following launch site location review information in its application:
(a) A map or maps showing the location of each launch point proposed, and the flight azimuth, IIP, flight corridor, and each impact range and impact dispersion area for each launch point;
(b) Each launch vehicle type and any launch vehicle class proposed for each launch point;
(c) Trajectory data;
(d) Wind data, including each month and any percent wind data used in the analysis;
(e) Any launch vehicle apogee used in the analysis;
(f) Each populated area located within a flight corridor or impact dispersion area;
(g) The estimated casualty expectancy calculated for each populated area within a flight corridor or impact dispersion area;
(h) The effective casualty areas used in the analysis;
(i) The estimated casualty expectancy for each flight corridor or set of impact dispersion areas; and
(j) If populated areas are located within an overflight exclusion zone, a demonstration that there are times when the public is not present or that the applicant has an agreement in place to evacuate the public from the overflight exclusion zone during a launch.
An applicant for a license to operate a launch site for an unproven launch vehicle shall provide a clear and convincing demonstration that its proposed launch site location provides an equivalent level of safety to that required by this part.
If an applicant plans to use its proposed launch site solely for launches conducted under an experimental permit, the FAA will approve a launch site location if the FAA has approved an operating area under part 437 for launches from that site.
[Doc. No. FAA-2006-24197, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007]
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, an applicant shall complete an agreement with the local U.S. Coast Guard district to establish procedures for the issuance of a Notice to Mariners prior to a launch and other such measures as the Coast Guard deems necessary to protect public health and safety.
(b) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, an applicant shall complete an agreement with the FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) office having jurisdiction over the airspace through which launches will take place, to establish procedures for the issuance of a Notice to Airmen prior to a launch and for closing of air routes during the launch window and other such measures as the FAA ATC office deems necessary to protect public health and safety.
(c) An applicant that plans to operate a launch site located on a federal launch range does not have to comply with section 420.31 if the applicant is using existing federal launch range agreements with the U.S. Coast Guard and the FAA ATC office having jurisdiction over the airspace through which launches will take place.
(a) A license to operate a launch site authorizes a licensee to operate a launch site in accordance with the representations contained in the licensee's application, with terms and conditions contained in any license order accompanying the license, and subject to the licensee's compliance with 51 U.S.C. Subtitle V, chapter 509 and this chapter.
(b) A license to operate a launch site authorizes a licensee to offer its launch site to a launch operator for each launch point for the type and any weight class of launch vehicle identified in the license application and upon which the licensing determination is based.
(c) Issuance of a license to operate a launch site does not relieve a licensee of its obligation to comply with any other laws or regulations; nor does it confer any proprietary, property, or exclusive right in the use of airspace or outer space.
[Doc. No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Amdt. 420-5, 77 FR 20533, Apr. 5, 2012]
A license to operate a launch site remains in effect for five years from the date of issuance unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked before the expiration of the term and is renewable upon application by the licensee.
(a) Only the FAA may transfer a license to operate a launch site.
(b) The FAA will transfer a license to an applicant who has submitted an application in accordance with 14 CFR part 413, satisfied the requirements of §420.15, and obtained each approval required by §420.17 for a license.
(c) The FAA may incorporate by reference any findings made part of the record that supported a prior related licensing determination.
(a) Upon application or upon its own initiative, the FAA may modify a license to operate a launch site at any time by issuing a license order that adds, removes, or modifies a license term or condition to ensure compliance with the Act and the requirements of this chapter.
(b) After a license to operate a launch site has been issued, a licensee shall apply to the FAA for modification of its license if:
(1) The licensee proposes to operate the launch site in a manner that is not authorized by the license; or
(2) The licensee proposes to operate the launch site in a manner that would make any representation contained in the license application that is material to public health and safety or safety of property no longer accurate and complete.
(c) An application to modify a license shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with part 413 of this chapter. The licensee shall indicate any part of its license or license application that would be changed or affected by a proposed modification.
(d) The FAA approves a modification request that satisfies the requirements of this part.
(e) Upon approval of a license modification, the FAA issues either a written approval to the licensee or a license order modifying the license if a stated term or condition of the license is changed, added, or deleted. A written approval has the full force and effect of a license order and is part of the licensing record.
A licensee shall allow access by and cooperate with federal officers or employees or other individuals authorized by the FAA to observe any activities of the licensee, its customers, its contractors, or subcontractors, associated with licensed operation of the licensee's launch site.
(a) A licensee shall operate its launch site in accordance with the representations in the application upon which the licensing determination is based.
(b) A licensee is responsible for compliance with 51 U.S.C. Subtitle V, chapter 509 and for meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(a) A licensee shall prevent unauthorized access to the launch site, and unauthorized, unescorted access to explosive hazard facilities or other hazard areas not otherwise controlled by a launch operator, through the use of security personnel, surveillance systems, physical barriers, or other means approved as part of the licensing process.
(b) A licensee shall notify anyone entering the launch site of safety rules and emergency and evacuation procedures prior to that person's entry unless that person has received a briefing on those rules and procedures within the previous year.
(c) A licensee shall employ warning signals or alarms to notify any persons at the launch site of any emergency.
(a) A licensee shall develop and implement procedures to schedule operations to ensure that each operation carried out by a customer at the launch site does not create the potential for a mishap that could result in harm to the public because of the proximity of the operations, in time or place, to operations of any other customer. A customer includes any launch operator, and any contractor, subcontractor or customer of the launch site operator's customer at the launch site.
(b) A licensee shall provide its launch site scheduling requirements to each customer before the customer begins operations at the launch site.
(a) A licensee shall notify each launch operator and any other customer of any limitations on the use of the launch site. A licensee shall also communicate limitations on the use of facilities provided to customers by the launch site operator.
(b) A licensee shall maintain its agreement, made in accordance with §420.31(a), with the local U.S. Coast Guard district.
(c) A licensee shall maintain its agreement, made in accordance with §420.31(b), with the FAA ATC office having jurisdiction over the airspace through which launches will take place.
(d) At least two days prior to flight of a launch vehicle, the licensee shall notify local officials and all owners of land adjacent to the launch site of the flight schedule.
(a) General. A licensee shall develop and implement a launch site accident investigation plan that contains the licensee's procedures for reporting, responding to, and investigating launch site accidents, as defined by §420.5, and for cooperating with federal officials in case of a launch accident. The launch site accident investigation plan must be signed by an individual authorized to sign and certify the application in accordance with §413.7(c) of this chapter.
(b) Reporting requirements. A launch site accident investigation plan shall provide for—
(1) Immediate notification to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Washington Operations Center in the event of a launch site accident.
(2) Submission of a written preliminary report to the FAA, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, within five days of any launch site accident. The report must include the following information:
(ii) Location of the event;
(iii) Description of the event;
(iv) Number of injuries, if any, and general description of types of injuries suffered;
(v) Property damage, if any, and an estimate of its value;
(vi) Identification of hazardous materials, as defined by §401.5 of this chapter, involved in the event;
(vii) Any action taken to contain the consequences of the event; and
(viii) Weather conditions at the time of the event.
(c) Response plan. A launch site accident investigation plan shall contain procedures that—
(1) Ensure the consequences of a launch site accident are contained and minimized;
(3) Require the licensee to report to and cooperate with FAA or National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations and designate one or more points of contact for the FAA or NTSB; and
(d) Investigation plan. A launch site accident investigation plan must contain—
(1) Procedures for investigating the cause of a launch site accident;
(2) Procedures for reporting launch site accident investigation results to the FAA; and
(3) Delineated responsibilities, including reporting responsibilities for personnel assigned to conduct investigations and for any one retained by the licensee to conduct or participate in investigations.
(e) Launch accidents. A launch site accident investigation plan shall contain—
(1) Procedures for participating in an investigation of a launch accident for launches launched from the launch site;
(2) Require the licensee to cooperate with FAA or National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations of a launch accident for launches launched from the launch site.
(f) Applicability of other accident investigation procedures. Accident investigation procedures developed in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.119 and 40 CFR part 68 will satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section to the extent that they include the elements required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
(a) A licensee shall maintain all records, data, and other material needed to verify that its operations are conducted in accordance with representations contained in the licensee's application. A licensee shall retain records for three years.
(b) In the event of a launch or launch site accident, a licensee shall preserve all records related to the event. Records shall be retained until completion of any federal investigation and the FAA advises the licensee that the records need not be retained.
(c) A licensee shall make available to federal officials for inspection and copying all records required to be maintained under the regulations.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by paragraph (b) of this section, a licensee must ensure the configuration of the launch site follows its explosive site plan, and the licensee's explosive site plan complies with the requirements of §§420.65 through 420.70. The explosive site plan must include:
(1) A scaled map that shows the location of all explosive hazard facilities at the launch site and that shows actual and minimal allowable distances between each explosive hazard facility and all other explosive hazard facilities, each public traffic route, and each public area, including the launch site boundary;
(2) A list of the maximum quantity of energetic liquids, solid propellants and other explosives to be located at each explosive hazard facility, including explosive class and division;
(3) A description of each activity to be conducted at each explosive hazard facility; and
(4) An explosive site map using a scale sufficient to show whether distances and structural relationships satisfy the requirements of this part.
(b) A licensee operating a launch site located on a federal launch range does not have to comply with the requirements in §§420.65 through 420.70 if the licensee complies with the federal launch range's explosive safety requirements.
(c) For explosive siting issues not addressed by the requirements of §§420.65 through 420.70, a launch site operator must clearly and convincingly demonstrate a level of safety equivalent to that otherwise required by this part.
(d) A launch site operator may separate an explosive hazard facility from another explosive hazard facility, public area, or public traffic route by a distance different from one required by this part only if the launch site operator clearly and convincingly demonstrates a level of safety equivalent to that required by this part.
[Doc. No. FAA-2011-0105, 77 FR 55113, Sept. 7, 2012]
(a) Quantity. For each explosive hazard facility, a launch site operator must determine the total quantity of division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives as follows:
(1) A launch site operator must determine the maximum total quantity of division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives by class and division, in accordance with 49 CFR part 173, Subpart C, to be located in each explosive hazard facility where division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives will be handled.
(2) When division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives are located in the same explosive hazard facility, the total quantity of explosive must be treated as division 1.1 for determining separation distances; or, a launch site operator may add the net explosive weight of the division 1.3 items to the net explosive weight of division 1.1 items to determine the total quantity of explosives.
(b) Separation of division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives and determination of distances. A launch site operator must separate each explosive hazard facility where division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives are handled from all other explosive hazard facilities, all public traffic routes, and each public area, including the launch site boundary, by a distance no less than that provided for each quantity and explosive division in appendix E of this part as follows:
(1) For division 1.1 explosives, the launch site operator must use tables E-1, E-2, and E-3 of appendix E of this part to determine the distance to each public area and public traffic route, and to determine each intraline distance.
(2) For division 1.3 explosives, the launch site operator must use table E-4 of appendix E of this part to determine the distance to each public area and public traffic route, and to determine each intraline distance.
(c) Separation distance by weight and table. A launch site operator must:
(1) Employ no less than the public area distance, calculated under paragraph (b) of this section, to separate an explosive hazard facility from each public area, including the launch site boundary.
(2) Employ no less than an intraline distance to separate an explosive hazard facility from all other explosive hazard facilities used by a single customer. For explosive hazard facilities used by different customers a launch site operator must use the greater public area distance to separate the facilities from each other.
(3) Separate each public area containing any member of the public in the open by a distance equal to −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)], where the NEW is greater than 450 pounds and less than 501,500 pounds.
(d) NEW Quantities that Fall between Table Entries. A launch site operator must, when determining a separation distance for NEW quantities that fall between table entries, use the equation provided by tables E-1, E-3, or E-4 of appendix E of this part.
(e) Calculating Maximum Permissible NEW Given a Distance. A launch site operator must, when determining a permissible quantity of explosives, calculate maximum permissible NEW using the equation of tables E-1, E-3, or E-4 of appendix E of this part.
[Doc. No. FAA-2011-0105, 77 FR 55114, Sept. 7, 2012]
(a) Separation of energetic liquids and determination of distances. A launch site operator must separate each explosive hazard facility from each other explosive hazard facility, each public area, and each public traffic route in accordance with the minimum separation distance determined under this section for each explosive hazard facility storing:
(1) Hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of greater than 91 percent;
(2) Hydrazine;
(3) Liquid hydrogen; or
(4) Any energetic liquid that is:
(i) Incompatible with any of the energetic liquids of paragraph (a)(1) through (3) of this section; and
(ii) Stored within an intraline distance of any of them.
(b) Quantity. For each explosive hazard facility, a launch site operator must determine the total quantity of all energetic liquids in paragraph (a)(1) through (4) of this section as follows:
(1) The quantity of energetic liquid in a tank, drum, cylinder, or other container is the net weight in pounds of the energetic liquid in the container. The determination of quantity must include any energetic liquid in associated piping to any point where positive means exist for:
(i) Interrupting the flow through the pipe, or
(ii) Interrupting a reaction in the pipe in the event of a mishap.
(2) A launch site operator must convert the quantity of each energetic liquid from gallons to pounds using the conversion factors provided in table E-6 of appendix E of this part and the following equation:
Pounds of energetic liquid = gallons × density of energetic liquid (pounds per gallon).
(3) Where two or more containers of compatible energetic liquids are stored in the same explosive hazard facility, the total quantity of energetic liquids is the total quantity of energetic liquids in all containers, unless:
(i) The containers are each separated from each other by the distance required by paragraph (c) of this section; or
(ii) The containers are subdivided by intervening barriers that prevent mixing, such as diking.
(4) Where two or more containers of incompatible energetic liquids are stored within an intraline distance of each other, paragraph (d) of this section applies.
(c) Determination of separation distances for compatible energetic liquids. A launch site operator must determine separation distances for compatible energetic liquids as follows:
(1) To determine each intraline, public area, and public traffic route distance, a launch site operator must use the following tables in appendix E of this part:
(i) Table E-7 for hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of greater than 91 percent; and
(ii) Table E-8 for hydrazine and liquid hydrogen.
(2) For liquid hydrogen and hydrazine, a launch site operator must use the “intraline distance to compatible energetic liquids” for the energetic liquid that requires the greater distance under table E-8 of appendix E of this part as the minimum separation distance between compatible energetic liquids.
(d) Determination of separation distances for incompatible energetic liquids. If incompatible energetic liquids are stored within an intraline distance of each other, a launch site operator must determine the explosive equivalent in pounds of the combined liquids as provided by paragraph (d)(2) of this section unless intervening barriers prevent mixing.
(1) If intervening barriers prevent mixing, a launch site operator must separate the incompatible energetic liquids by no less than the intraline distance that tables E-7 and E-8 of appendix E of this part apply to compatible energetic liquids using the quantity or energetic liquid requiring the greater separation distance.
(2) A launch site operator must use the formulas provided in table E-5 of appendix E of this part, to determine the explosive equivalent in pounds of the combined incompatible energetic liquids. A launch site operator must then use the explosive equivalent in pounds requiring the greatest separation distance to determine the minimum separation distance between each explosive hazard facility and all other explosive hazard facilities and each public area and public traffic route as required by tables E-1, E-2 and E-3 of appendix E of this part.
(a) Separation of energetic liquids and determination of distances. Where incompatible energetic liquids are co-located in a launch or reentry vehicle tank or other vessel, a launch site operator must separate each explosive hazard facility from each other explosive hazard facility, each public area, and each public traffic route in accordance with the minimum separation distance determined under this section for each explosive hazard facility.
(b) Quantity. For each explosive hazard facility, a launch site operator must determine the total quantity of all energetic liquids as follows:
(1) The quantity of energetic liquid in a launch or reentry vehicle tank is the net weight in pounds of the energetic liquid. The determination of quantity must include any energetic liquid in associated piping to any point where positive means exist for:
(i) Interrupting the flow through the pipe; or
(2) A launch site operator must convert each energetic liquid's quantity from gallons to pounds using the conversion factors provided by table E-6 of appendix E of this part and the following equation:
(c) Determination of separation distances for incompatible energetic liquids. A launch site operator must determine separation distances for incompatible energetic liquids as follows:
(1) A launch site operator must use the formulas provided in table E-5 of appendix E of this part, to determine the explosive equivalent in pounds of the combined incompatible energetic liquids; and
(2) A launch site operator must then use the explosive equivalent in pounds to determine the minimum separation distance between each explosive hazard facility and all other explosive hazard facilities and each public area and public traffic route as required by tables E-1, E-2 and E-3 of appendix E of this part. Where two explosive hazard facilities contain different quantities, the launch site operator must use the quantity of liquid propellant requiring the greatest separation distance to determine the minimum separation distance between the two explosive hazard facilities.
(d) Separation distance by weight and table. For each explosive hazard facility, a launch site operator must:
(1) For an explosive equivalent weight from one pound through and including 450 pounds, determine the distance to any public area and public traffic route following table E-1 of appendix E of this part;
(2) For explosive equivalent weight greater than 450 pounds, determine the distance to any public area and public traffic route following table E-2 of appendix E of this part;
(3) Separate each public area containing any member of the public in the open by a distance equal to −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)], where the NEW is greater than 450 pounds and less than 501,500 pounds;
(4) Separate each explosive hazard facility from all other explosive hazard facilities of a single customer using the intraline distance provided by table E-3 of appendix E of this part; and
(5) For explosive hazard facilities used by different customers, use the greater public area distance to separate the facilities from each other.
[Doc. No. FAA-2011-0105, 77 FR 55115, Sept. 7, 2012]
(a) Separation of energetic liquids and explosives and determination of distances. A launch site operator must separate each explosive hazard facility from each other explosive hazard facility, each public traffic route, and each public area in accordance with the minimum separation distance determined under this section for each explosive hazard facility where division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives are co-located with liquid propellants. A launch site operator must determine each minimum separation distance from an explosive hazard facility where division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives and liquid propellants are to be located together, to each other explosive hazard facility, public traffic route, and public area as described in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
(b) Liquid propellants and division 1.1 explosives located together. For liquid propellants and division 1.1 explosives located together, a launch site operator must:
(1) Determine the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants by following §420.67(c);
(2) Add the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants and the net explosive weight of division 1.1 explosives to determine the combined net explosive weight;
(3) Use the combined net explosive weight to determine the distance to each public area, public traffic route, and each other explosive hazard facility by following tables E-1, E-2, and E-3 of appendix E of this part; and
(4) Separate each public area containing any member of the public in the open by a distance equal to −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)], where the net explosive weight is greater than 450 pounds and less than 501,500 pounds.
(c) Liquid propellants and division 1.3 explosives located together. For liquid propellants and division 1.3 explosives located together, a launch site operator must separate each explosive hazard facility from each other explosive hazard facility, public area, and public traffic route using either of the following two methods:
(1) Method 1. (i) Determine the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants by following §420.67(c);
(ii) Add to the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants, the net explosive weight of each division 1.3 explosive, treating division 1.3 explosives as division 1.1 explosives;
(iii) Use the combined net explosive weight to determine the minimum separation distance to each public area, public traffic route, and each other explosive hazard facility by following tables E-1, E-2, and E-3 of appendix E of this part; and
(iv) Separate each public area containing any member of the public in the open by a distance equal to −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)], where the net explosive weight is greater than 450 pounds and less than 501,500 pounds.
(2) Method 2. (i) Determine the explosive equivalent weight of each liquid propellant by following §420.67(c);
(ii) Add to the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants, the net explosive weight of each division 1.3 explosive to determine the combined net explosive weight;
(d) Liquid propellants and division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives located together. For liquid propellants and division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives located together, a launch site operator must:
(2) Determine the total explosive quantity of each division 1.1 and 1.3 explosive by following §420.65(a)(2);
(3) Add the explosive equivalent weight of the liquid propellants to the total explosive quantity of division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives together to determine the combined net explosive weight;
(4) Use the combined net explosive weight to determine the distance to each public area, public traffic route, and each other explosive hazard facility by following tables E-1, E-2, and E-3 of appendix E of this part; and
(5) Separate each public area containing any member of the public in the open by a distance equal to −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)], where the net explosive weight is greater than 450 pounds and less than 501,500 pounds
(e) Use of maximum credible event analysis. If a launch site operator does not want to employ paragraphs (b), (c), or (d) of this section, the launch site operator must analyze the maximum credible event (MCE) or the worst case explosion expected to occur. If the MCE shows there will be no simultaneous explosion reaction of the liquid propellant tanks and the solid propellant motors, the minimum distance between the explosive hazard facility and all other explosive hazard facilities and public areas must be based on the MCE.
(a) This section applies to all measurements of distances performed under §§420.63 through 420.69.
(b) A launch site operator must measure each separation distance along straight lines. For large intervening topographical features such as hills, the launch site operator must measure over or around the feature, whichever is the shorter.
(c) A launch site operator must measure each minimum separation distance from the closest hazard source, such as a container, building, segment, or positive cut-off point in piping, in an explosive hazard facility. When measuring, a launch site operator must:
(1) For a public traffic route distance, measure from the nearest side of the public traffic route to the closest point of the hazard source; and
(2) For an intraline distance, measure from the nearest point of one hazard source to the nearest point of the next hazard source. The minimum separation distance must be the distance for the quantity of energetic liquids or net explosive weight that requires the greater distance.
[Doc. No. FAA-2011-0105, 77 FR 55116, Sept. 7, 2012]
(a) Lightning protection. A licensee shall ensure that the public is not exposed to hazards due to the initiation of explosives by lightning.
(1) Elements of a lighting protection system. Unless an explosive hazard facility meets the conditions of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, all explosive hazard facilities shall have a lightning protection system to ensure explosives are not initiated by lightning. A lightning protection system shall meet the requirements of this paragraph and include the following:
(i) Air terminal. An air terminal to intentionally attract a lightning strike.
(ii) Down conductor. A low impedance path connecting an air terminal to an earth electrode system.
(iii) Earth electrode system. An earth electrode system to dissipate the current from a lightning strike to ground.
(2) Bonding and surge protection. A lightning protection system must meet the requirements of this paragraph and include the following:
(i) Bonding. All metallic bodies shall be bonded to ensure that voltage potentials due to lightning are equal everywhere in the explosive hazard facility. Any fence within six feet of a lightning protection system shall have a bond across each gate and other discontinuations and shall be bonded to the lightning protection system. Railroad tracks that run within six feet of the lightning protection system shall be bonded to the lightning protection system.
(ii) Surge protection. A lightning protection system shall include surge protection to reduce transient voltages due to lightning to a harmless level for all metallic power, communication, and instrumentation lines entering an explosive hazard facility.
(3) Circumstances where no lightning protection system is required. No lightning protection system is required for an explosive hazard facility when a lightning warning system is available to permit termination of operations and withdrawal of the public to public area distance prior to an electrical storm, or for an explosive hazard facility containing explosives that cannot be initiated by lightning. If no lightning protection system is required, a licensee must ensure the withdrawal of the public to a public area distance prior to an electrical storm.
(4) Testing and inspection. Lightning protection systems shall be visually inspected semiannually and shall be tested once each year for electrical continuity and adequacy of grounding. A licensee shall maintain at the explosive hazard facility a record of results obtained from the tests, including any action taken to correct deficiencies noted.
(b) Electrical power lines. A licensee shall ensure that electric power lines at its launch site meet the following requirements:
(1) Electric power lines shall be no closer to an explosive hazard facility than the length of the lines between the poles or towers that support the lines unless an effective means is provided to ensure that energized lines cannot, on breaking, come in contact with the explosive hazard facility.
(2) Towers or poles supporting electrical distribution lines that carry between 15 and 69 KV, and unmanned electrical substations shall be no closer to an explosive hazard facility than the public area distance for that explosive hazard facility.
(3) Towers or poles supporting electrical transmission lines that carry 69 KV or more, shall be no closer to an explosive hazard facility than the public area distance for that explosive hazard facility.
(1) This appendix provides a method for constructing a flight corridor from a launch point for a guided suborbital launch vehicle or any one of the four classes of guided orbital launch vehicles from table 1, §420.19, without the use of local meteorological data or a launch vehicle trajectory.
(2) A flight corridor includes an overflight exclusion zone in a launch area and, for a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an impact dispersion area in a downrange area. A flight corridor for a guided suborbital launch vehicle ends with the impact dispersion area, and, for the four classes of guided orbital launch vehicles, 5000 nautical miles (nm) from the launch point.
(b) Data requirements
(1) Maps. An applicant shall use any map for the launch site region with a scale not less than 1:250,000 inches per inch in the launch area and 1:20,000,000 inches per inch in the downrange area. As described in paragraph (b)(2), an applicant shall use a mechanical method, a semi-automated method, or a fully-automated method to plot a flight corridor on maps. A source for paper maps acceptable to the FAA is the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service.
(i) Projections for mechanical plotting method. An applicant shall use a conic projection. The FAA will accept a “Lambert-Conformal” conic projection. A polar aspect of a plane-azimuthal projection may also be used for far northern launch sites.
(ii) Projections for semi-automated plotting method. An applicant shall use cylindrical, conic, or plane projections for semi-automated plotting. The FAA will accept “Mercator” and “Oblique Mercator” cylindrical projections. The FAA will accept “Lambert-Conformal” and “Albers Equal-Area” conic projections. The FAA will accept “Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area” and “Azimuthal Equidistant” plane projections.
(iii) Projections for fully-automated plotting method. The FAA will accept map projections used by geographical information system software scaleable pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (b)(1).
(2) Plotting Methods.
(i) Mechanical method. An applicant may use mechanical drafting equipment such as pencil, straight edge, ruler, protractor, and compass to plot the location of a flight corridor on a map. The FAA will accept straight lines for distances less than or equal to 7.5 times the map scale on map scales greater than or equal to 1:1,000,000 inches per inch (in/in); or straight lines representing 100 nm or less on map scales less than 1:1,000,000 in/in.
(ii) Semi-automated method. An applicant may employ the range and bearing techniques in paragraph (b)(3) to create latitude and longitude points on a map. The FAA will accept straight lines for distances less than or equal to 7.5 times the map scale on map scales greater than or equal to 1:1,000,000 inches per inch (in/in); or straight lines representing 100 nm or less on map scales less than 1:1,000,000 in/in.
(iii) Fully-automated method. An applicant may use geographical information system software with global mapping data scaleable in accordance with paragraph (b)(1).
(3) Range and bearing computations on an ellipsoidal Earth model.
(i) To create latitude and longitude pairs on an ellipsoidal Earth model, an applicant shall use the following equations to calculate geodetic latitude (+N) and longitude (+E) given the launch point geodetic latitude (+N), longitude (+E), range (nm), and bearing (degrees, positive clockwise from North).
(A) Input. An applicant shall use the following input in making range and bearing computations. Angle units must be in radians.
(B) Computations. An applicant shall use the following equations to determine the latitude (φ2) and longitude (λ2) of a target point situated “S” nm from the launch point on an azimuth bearing (α12) degrees.
a = WGS-84 semi-major axis (3443.91846652 nmi)
b = WGS-84 semi-minor axis (3432.37165994 nmi)
(ii) To create latitude and longitude pairs on an ellipsoidal Earth model, an applicant shall use the following equations to calculate the distance (S) of the geodesic between two points (P1 and P2), the forward azimuth (α12) of the geodesic at P1, and the back azimuth (α21) of the geodesic at P2, given the geodetic latitude (+N), longitude (+E) of P1 and P2. Azimuth is measured positively clockwise from North.
(A) Input. An applicant shall use the following input. Units must be in radians.
(B) Computations. An applicant shall use the following equations to determine the distance (S), the forward azimuth (α12) of the geodesic at P1, and the back azimuth (α12) of the geodesic at P2.
(c) Creation of a Flight Corridor
(1) To define a flight corridor, an applicant shall:
(i) Select a guided suborbital or orbital launch vehicle, and, for an orbital launch vehicle, select from table 1 of §420.19 a launch vehicle weight class that best represents the launch vehicle the applicant plans to support at its launch point;
(ii) Select a debris dispersion radius (Dmax) from table A-1 corresponding to the guided suborbital launch vehicle or orbital launch vehicle class selected in paragraph (c)(1)(i);
(iii) Select a launch point geodetic latitude and longitude; and
(iv) Select a flight azimuth.
(2) An applicant shall define and map an overflight exclusion zone using the following method:
(i) Select a debris dispersion radius (Dmax) from table A-1 and a downrange distance (DOEZ) from table A-2 to define an overflight exclusion zone for the guided suborbital launch vehicle or orbital launch vehicle class selected in paragraph (c)(1)(i).
(ii) An overflight exclusion zone is described by the intersection of the following boundaries, which are depicted in figure A-1:
(A) An applicant shall define an uprange boundary with a half-circle arc of radius Dmax and a chord of length twice Dmax connecting the half-circle arc endpoints. The uprange boundary placement on a map has the chord midpoint positioned on the launch point with the chord oriented along an azimuth ±90°from the launch azimuth and the half-circle arc located uprange from the launch point.
(B) An applicant shall define the downrange boundary with a half-circle arc of radius Dmax and a chord of length twice Dmax connecting the half-circle arc endpoints. The downrange boundary placement on a map has the chord midpoint intersecting the nominal flight azimuth line at a distance DOEZ inches downrange with the chord oriented along an azimuth ±90°from the launch azimuth and the half-circle arc located downrange from the intersection of the chord and the flight azimuth line.
(C) Crossrange boundaries of an overflight exclusion zone are defined by two lines segments. Each is parallel to the flight azimuth with one to the left side and one to the right side of the flight azimuth line. Each line connects an uprange half-circle arc endpoint to a downrange half-circle arc endpoint as shown in figure A-1.
(iii) An applicant shall identify the overflight exclusion zone on a map that meets the requirements of paragraph (b).
(3) An applicant shall define and map a flight corridor using the following method:
(i) In accordance with paragraph (b), an applicant shall draw a flight corridor on one or more maps with the Dmax origin centered on the intended launch point and the flight corridor centerline (in the downrange direction) aligned with the initial flight azimuth. The flight corridor is depicted in figure A-2 and its line segment lengths are tabulated in table A-3.
(ii) An applicant shall define the flight corridor using the following boundary definitions:
(A) An applicant shall draw an uprange boundary, which is defined by an arc-line GB (figure A-2), directly uprange from and centered on the intended launch point with radius Dmax.
(B) An applicant shall draw line CF perpendicular to and centered on the flight azimuth line, and positioned 10 nm downrange from the launch point. The applicant shall use the length of line CF provided in table A-3 corresponding to the guided suborbital launch vehicle or orbital launch vehicle class selected in paragraph (c)(1)(i).
(C) An applicant shall draw line DE perpendicular to and centered on the flight azimuth line, and positioned 100 nm downrange from the launch point. The applicant shall use the length of line DE provided in table A-3 corresponding to the guided suborbital launch vehicle or orbital launch vehicle class selected in paragraph (c)(1)(i).
(D) Except for a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an applicant shall draw a downrange boundary, which is defined by line HI and is drawn perpendicular to and centered on the flight azimuth line, and positioned 5,000 nm downrange from the launch point. The applicant shall use the length of line HI provided in table A-3 corresponding to the orbital launch vehicle class selected in paragraph (c)(1)(i).
(E) An applicant shall draw crossrange boundaries, which are defined by three lines on the left side and three lines on the right side of the flight azimuth. An applicant shall construct the left flight corridor boundary according to the following, and as depicted in figure A-3 :
(1) The first line (line BC in figure A-3) is tangent to the uprange boundary arc, and ends at endpoint C of line CF, as depicted in figure A-3;
(2) The second line (line CD in figure A-3) begins at endpoint C of line BC and ends at endpoint D of line DH, as depicted in figure A-3;
(3) For all orbital launch vehicles, the third line (line DH in figure A-3) begins at endpoint D of line CD and ends at endpoint H of line HI, as depicted in figure A-3; and
(4) For a guided suborbital launch vehicle, the line DH begins at endpoint D of line CD and ends at a point tangent to the impact dispersion area drawn in accordance with paragraph (c)(4) and as depicted in figure A-4.
(F) An applicant shall repeat the procedure in paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(E) for the right side boundary.
(iii) An applicant shall identify the flight corridor on a map that meets the requirements of paragraph (b).
(4) For a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an applicant shall define a final stage impact dispersion area as part of the flight corridor and show the impact dispersion area on a map, as depicted in figure A-4, in accordance with the following:
(i) An applicant shall select an apogee altitude (Hap) for the launch vehicle final stage. The apogee altitude should equal the highest altitude intended to be reached by a guided suborbital launch vehicle launched from the launch point.
(ii) An applicant shall define the impact dispersion area by using an impact range factor [IP(Hap)] and a dispersion factor [DISP(Hap)] as shown below:
(A) An applicant shall calculate the impact range (D) for the final launch vehicle stage. An applicant shall set D equal to the maximum apogee altitude (Hap) multiplied by the impact range factor as shown below:
where: IP(Hap) = 0.4 for an apogee less than 100 km; and IP(Hap) = 0.7 for an apogee 100 km or greater.
(B) An applicant shall calculate the impact dispersion radius (R) for the final launch vehicle stage. An applicant shall set R equal to the maximum apogee altitude (Hap) multiplied by the dispersion factor as shown below:
where: DISP(Hap) = 0.05
(iii) An applicant shall draw the impact dispersion area on a map with its center on the predicted impact point. An applicant shall then draw line DH in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(E)(4).
(d) Evaluate the Flight Corridor
(1) An applicant shall evaluate the flight corridor for the presence of any populated areas. If an applicant determines that no populated area is located within the flight corridor, then no additional steps are necessary.
(2) If a populated area is located in an overflight exclusion zone, an applicant may modify its proposal or demonstrate that there are times when no people are present or that the applicant has an agreement in place to evacuate the public from the overflight exclusion zone during a launch.
(3) If a populated area is located within the flight corridor, an applicant may modify its proposal and create another flight corridor pursuant to appendix A, use appendix B to narrow the flight corridor, or complete a risk analysis in accordance with appendix C.
Table A-1—Debris Dispersion Radius (Dmax) (in)
(1.20 nm) 111,600
(1.53 nm) 127,200
(1.74 nm) 156,000
(2.14 nm) 96,000
(1.32 nm)
Table A-2—Overflight Exclusion Zone Downrange Distance (Doez) (in)
(3.30 nm) 253,000
(3.47 nm) 310,300
(4.26 nm) 937,700
(12.86 nm) 232,100
(3.18 nm)
(1) This appendix provides a method to construct a flight corridor from a launch point for a guided suborbital launch vehicle or any one of the four weight classes of guided orbital launch vehicles from table 1, §420.19, using local meteorological data and a launch vehicle trajectory.
(2) A flight corridor is constructed in two sections—one section comprising a launch area and one section comprising a downrange area. The launch area of a flight corridor reflects the extent of launch vehicle debris impacts in the event of a launch vehicle failure and applying local meteorological conditions. The downrange area reflects the extent of launch vehicle debris impacts in the event of a launch vehicle failure and applying vehicle imparted velocity, malfunctions turns, and vehicle guidance and performance dispersions.
(3) A flight corridor includes an overflight exclusion zone in the launch area and, for a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an impact dispersion area in the downrange area. A flight corridor for a guided suborbital launch vehicle ends with an impact dispersion area and, for the four classes of guided orbital launch vehicles, 5,000 nautical miles (nm) from the launch point, or where the IIP leaves the surface of the Earth, whichever is shorter.
(1) Launch area data requirements. An applicant shall satisfy the following data requirements to perform the launch area analysis of this appendix. The data requirements are identified in table B-1 along with sources where data acceptable to the FAA may be obtained.
(i) An applicant must select meteorological data that meet the specifications in table B-1 for the proposed launch site.
Table B-1—Launch Area Data Requirements
Meteorological Data Local statistical wind data as a function of altitude up to 50,000 feet. Required data include: altitude (ft), atmospheric density (slugs/ft3), mean East/West meridianal (u) and North/South zonal (v) wind (ft/sec), standard deviation of u and v wind (ft/sec), correlation coefficient, number of observations and wind percentile (%) These data may be obtained from:
Global Gridded Upper Air Statistics, Climate Applications Branch National Climatic Data Center.
Nominal Trajectory Data State vector data as function of time after liftoff in topocentric launch point centered X,Y,Z,X,Y,Z coordinates with the X-axis aligned with the flight azimuth. Trajectory time intervals shall not be greater than one second. XYZ units are in feet and X,Y,Z units are in ft/sec Actual launch vehicle trajectory data; or trajectory generation software that meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(ii).
Debris Data A fixed ballistic coefficient equal to 3 lbs/ft2 is used for the launch area N/A.
Geographical Data Launch point geodetic latitude on a WGS-84 ellipsoidal Earth model Geographical surveys or Global Positioning System.
Launch point longitude on an ellipsoidal Earth model
Maps using scales of not less than 1:250,000 inches per inch within 100 nm of a launch point and 1:20,000,000 inches per inch for distances greater than 100 nm from a launch point Map types with scale and projection information are listed in the Defense Mapping Agency, Public Sale, Aeronautical Charts and Publications Catalog. The catalog and maps may be ordered through the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service.
(ii) For a guided orbital launch vehicle, an applicant shall obtain or create a launch vehicle nominal trajectory. An applicant may use trajectory data from a launch vehicle manufacturer or generate a trajectory using trajectory simulation software. Trajectory time intervals shall be no greater than one second. If an applicant uses a trajectory computed with commercially available software, the software must calculate the trajectory using the following parameters, or clearly and convincingly demonstrated equivalents:
(A) Launch location:
(1) Launch point, using geodetic latitude and longitude to four decimal places; and
(2) Launch point height above sea level.
(B) Ellipsoidal Earth:
(1) Mass of Earth;
(2) Radius of Earth;
(3) Earth flattening factor; and
(4) Gravitational harmonic constants (J2, J3, J4).
(C) Vehicle characteristics:
(1) Mass as a function of time;
(2) Thrust as a function of time;
(3) Specific impulse (ISP) as a function of time; and
(4) Stage dimensions.
(D) Launch events:
(1) Stage burn times; and
(2) Stage drop-off times.
(E) Atmosphere:
(1) Density as a function of altitude;
(2) Pressure as a function of altitude;
(3) Speed of sound as a function of altitude; and
(4) Temperature as a function of altitude.
(F) Winds:
(1) Wind direction as a function of altitude; and
(2) Wind magnitude as a function of altitude.
(I) Aerodynamics: drag coefficient as a function of mach number for each stage of flight showing subsonic, transonic and supersonic mach regions for each stage.
(iii) An applicant shall use a ballistic coefficient (β) of 3 lbs/ft2 for debris impact computations.
(iv) An applicant shall satisfy the map and plotting requirements for a launch area of appendix A, paragraph (b).
(2) Downrange area data requirements. An applicant shall satisfy the following data requirements to perform the downrange area analysis of this appendix.
(i) The launch vehicle weight class and method of generating a trajectory used in the launch area shall be used by an applicant in the downrange area as well. Trajectory time intervals must not be greater than one second.
(ii) An applicant shall satisfy the map and plotting data requirements for a downrange area of appendix A, paragraph (b).
(c) Construction of a Launch Area of a Flight Corridor
(1) An applicant shall construct a launch area of a flight corridor using the processes and equations of this paragraph for each trajectory position. An applicant shall repeat these processes at time points on the launch vehicle trajectory for time intervals of no greater than one second. When choosing wind data, an applicant shall use a time period of between one and 12 months.
(2) A launch area analysis must include all trajectory positions whose Z-values are less than or equal to 50,000 ft.
(3) Each trajectory time is denoted by the subscript “i”. Height intervals for a given atmospheric pressure level are denoted by the subscript “j'.
(4) Using data from the GGUAS CD-ROM, an applicant shall estimate the mean atmospheric density, maximum wind speed, height interval fall times and height interval debris dispersions for 15 mean geometric height intervals.
(i) The height intervals in the GGUAS source data vary as a function of the following 15 atmospheric pressure levels expressed in millibars: surface, 1000, 850, 700, 500, 400, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 70, 50, 30, 10. The actual geometric height associated with each pressure level varies depending on the time of year. An applicant shall estimate the mean geometric height over the period of months selected in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph for each of the 15 pressure levels as shown in equation B1.
H̅j = mean geometric height hm = geometric height for a given month nm = number of observations for a given month
k = number of wind months of interest
(ii) The atmospheric densities in the source data also vary as a function of the 15 atmospheric pressure levels. The actual atmospheric density associated with each pressure level varies depending on the time of year. An applicant shall estimate the mean atmospheric density over the period of months selected in accordance with subparagraph (1) of this paragraph for each of the 15 pressure levels as shown in equation B2.
ρj = mean atmospheric density
ρm = atmospheric density for a given month
nm = number of observations for a given month
(iii) An applicant shall estimate the algebraic maximum wind speed at a given pressure level as follows and shall repeat the process for each pressure level.
(A) For each month, an applicant shall calculate the monthly mean wind speed (W̅az) for 360 azimuths using equation B3;
(B) An applicant shall select the maximum monthly mean wind speed from the 360 azimuths;
(C) An applicant shall repeat subparagraphs (c)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) for each month of interest; and
(D) An applicant shall select the maximum mean wind speed from the range of months. The absolute value of this wind is designated Wmax for the current pressure level.
(iv) An applicant shall calculate wind speed using the means for winds from the West (u) and winds from the North (v). An applicant shall use equation B3 to resolve the winds to a specific azimuth bearing.
az = wind azimuth
u = West zonal wind component
v = North zonal wind component
W̅az = mean wind speed at azimuth for each month
(v) An applicant shall estimate the interval fall time over a height interval assuming the initial descent velocity is equal to the terminal velocity (VT). An applicant shall use equations B4 through B6 to estimate the fall time over a given height interval.
ΔHTj = height difference between two mean geometric heights
ρx = mean atmospheric density for the corresponding mean geometric heights
VTj = terminal velocity
(vi) An applicant shall estimate the interval debris dispersion (Dj) by multiplying the interval fall time by the algebraic maximum mean wind speed (Wmax) as shown in equation B7.
(5) Once the Dj are estimated for each height interval, an applicant shall determine the total debris dispersion (Di) for each Zi using a linear interpolation and summation exercise, as shown below in equation B8. An applicant shall use a launch point height of zero equal to the surface level of the nearest GGUAS grid location.
n = number of height intervals below jth height interval
(6) Once all the Di radii have been calculated, an applicant shall produce a launch area flight corridor in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs (c)(6)(i)-(iv).
(i) On a map meeting the requirements of appendix A, paragraph (b), an applicant shall plot the Xi position location on the flight azimuth for the corresponding Zi position;
(ii) An applicant shall draw a circle of radius Di centered on the corresponding Xi position; and
(iii) An applicant shall repeat the instructions in subparagraphs (c)(6)(i)-(ii) for each Di radius.
(iv) The launch area of a flight corridor is the enveloping line that encloses the outer boundary of the Di circles as shown in Fig. B-1. The uprange portion of a flight corridor is described by a semi-circle arc that is a portion of either the most uprange Di dispersion circle, or the overflight exclusion zone (defined by subparagraph (c)(7)), whichever is further uprange.
(7) An applicant shall define an overflight exclusion zone in the launch area in accordance with the requirements of appendix A, subparagraph (c)(2).
(8) An applicant shall draw the launch area flight corridor and overflight exclusion zone on a map or maps that meet the requirements of table B-1.
(d) Construction of a Downrange Area of a Flight Corridor
(1) The downrange area analysis estimates the debris dispersion for the downrange time points on a launch vehicle trajectory. An applicant shall perform the downrange area analysis using the processes and equations of this paragraph.
(2) The downrange area analysis shall include trajectory positions at a height (the Zi-values) greater than 50,000 feet and nominal trajectory IIP values less than or equal to 5,000 nm. For a guided suborbital launch vehicle, the final IIP value for which an applicant must account is the launch vehicle final stage impact point. Each trajectory time shall be one second or less and is denoted by the subscript “i'.
(3) An applicant shall compute the downrange area of a flight corridor boundary in four steps, from each trajectory time increment: determine a reduction ratio factor; calculate the launch vehicle position after simulating a malfunction turn; rotate the state vector after the malfunction turn in the range of three degrees to one degree as a function of Xi distance downrange; and compute the IIP of the resulting trajectory. The locus of IIPs describes the boundary of the downrange area of a flight corridor. An applicant shall use the following subparagraphs, (d)(3)(i)-(v), to compute the downrange area of the flight corridor boundary:
(i) Compute the downrange Distance to the final IIP position for a nominal trajectory as follows:
(A) Using equations B30 through B69, determine the IIP coordinates (φmax, λmax) for the nominal state vector before the launch vehicle enters orbit where α in equation B30 is the nominal flight azimuth angle measured from True North.
(B) Using the range and bearing equations of appendix A, paragraph (b)(3), determine the distance (Smax) from the launch point coordinates (φlp, λlp) to the IIP coordinates (φmax, λmax) computed in accordance with (3)(i)(A) of this paragraph.
(C) The distance for Smax may not exceed 5000 nm. In cases when the actual value exceeds 5000 nm the applicant shall use 5000 nm for Smax.
(ii) Compute the reduction ratio factor (Fn) for each trajectory time increment as follows:
(A) Using equations B30 through B69, determine the IIP coordinates (φi, λi) for the nominal state vector where α in equation B30 is the nominal flight azimuth angle measured from True North.
(B) Using the range and bearing equations of appendix A, paragraph (b)(3), determine the distance (Si) from the launch point coordinates (φlp, λlp) to the IIP coordinates (φi, λi) computed in (3)(ii)(A) of this paragraph.
(C) The reduction ratio factor is:
(iii) An applicant shall compute the launch vehicle position and velocity components after a simulated malfunction turn for each Xi using the following method.
(A) Turn duration (Δt) = 4 sec.
(B) Turn angle (θ)
The turn angle equations perform a turn in the launch vehicle's yaw plane, as depicted in figure B-2.
(C) Launch vehicle velocity magnitude at the beginning of the turn (Vb) and velocity magnitude at the end of the turn (Ve)
(D) Average velocity magnitude over the turn duration (V̅)
(E) Velocity vector path angle (γi) at turn epoch
(F) Launch vehicle position components at the end of turn duration
where: g1 = 32.17405 ft/sec2
(G) Launch vehicle velocity components at the end of turn duration
(iv) An applicant shall rotate the trajectory state vector at the end of the turn duration to the right and left to define the right-lateral flight corridor boundary and the left-lateral flight corridor boundary, respectively. An applicant shall perform the trajectory rotation in conjunction with a trajectory transformation from the X90, Y90, Z90, Ẋ90, Ẏ90, Ż90, components to E, N, U, Ė, Ṅ, U̇. The trajectory subscripts “R” and “L” from equations B15 through B26 have been discarded to reduce the number of equations. An applicant shall transform from to E,N,U,Ė,Ṅ,U̇ to E,F,G,Ė,Ḟ,Ġ. An applicant shall use the equations of paragraph (d)(3)(iv)(A)-(F) to produce the EFG components necessary to estimate each instantaneous impact point.
(A) An applicant must calculate the flight angle (α)
(B) An applicant shall transform X90,Y90,Z90 to E,N,U
(C) An applicant shall transform to Ẋ90, Ẏ90, Ż90 to Ė, Ṅ, U̇.
(D) An applicant shall transform the launch point coordinates (φ0λ0,h0) to E0,F0,G0
(E) An applicant shall transform E,N,U to E90,F90,G90
(F) An applicant shall transform to Ė,Ṅ,U̇ TO Ė,Ḟ,Ġ
(v) The IIP computation implements an iterative solution to the impact point problem. An applicant shall solve equations B46 through B69, with the appropriate substitutions, up to a maximum of five times. Each repetition of the equations provides a more accurate prediction of the IIP. An applicant shall use the required IIP computations of paragraphs (d)(3)(v)(A)-(W) below. An applicant shall use this IIP computation for both the left-and right-lateral offsets. The IIP computations will result in latitude and longitude pairs for the left-lateral flight corridor boundary and the right-lateral flight corridor boundary. An applicant shall use the lines connecting the latitude and longitude pairs to describe the entire downrange area boundary of the flight corridor up to 5000 nm or a final stage impact dispersion area.
(A) An applicant shall approximate the radial distance (rk,l) from the geocenter to the IIP. The distance from the center of the Earth ellipsoid to the launch point shall be used for the initial approximation of rk,l as shown in equation B46.
(B) An applicant shall compute the radial distance (r) from the geocenter to the launch vehicle position.
If r <rk,l then the launch vehicle position is below the Earth's surface and an impact point cannot be computed. An applicant must restart the calculations with the next trajectory state vector.
(C) An applicant shall compute the inertial velocity components.
where: ω = 4.178074 × 10−3 deg/sec
(D) An applicant shall compute the magnitude of the inertial velocity vector.
(E) An applicant shall compute the eccentricity of the trajectory ellipse multiplied by the cosine of the eccentric anomaly at epoch εc).
where: K = 1.407644 × 1016 ft3/sec2
(F) An applicant shall compute the semi-major axis of the trajectory ellipse (at).
If at 0 or at then the trajectory orbit is not elliptical, but is hyperbolic or parabolic, and an impact point cannot be computed. The launch vehicle has achieved escape velocity and the applicant may terminate computations.
(G) An applicant shall compute the eccentricity of the trajectory ellipse multiplied by the sine of the eccentric anomaly at epoch εs).
(H) An applicant shall compute the eccentricity of the trajectory ellipse squared ε2).
If at(1−ε)−aE] >0 and ε ≥0 then the trajectory perigee height is positive and an impact point cannot be computed. The launch vehicle has achieved Earth orbit and the applicant may terminate computations.
(I) An applicant shall compute the eccentricity of the trajectory ellipse multiplied by the cosine of the eccentric anomaly at impact (εck).
(J) An applicant shall compute the eccentricity of the trajectory ellipse multiplied by the sine of the eccentric anomaly at impact (εsk).
If εsk <0 then the trajectory orbit does not intersect the Earth's surface and an impact point cannot be computed. The launch vehicle has achieved Earth orbit and the applicant may terminate computations.
(K) An applicant shall compute the cosine of the difference between the eccentric anomaly at impact and the eccentric anomaly at epoch (Δεck).
(L) An applicant shall compute the sine of the difference between the eccentric anomaly at impact and the eccentric anomaly at epoch (Δεsk).
(M) An applicant shall compute the f-series expansion of Kepler's equations.
(N) An applicant shall compute the g-series expansion of Kepler's equations.
(O) An applicant shall compute the E,F,G coordinates at impact (Ei,Fi,Gi).
(P) An applicant shall approximate the distance from the geocenter to the launch vehicle position at impact (rk,2).
aE = 20925646.3255 ft
e2 = 0.00669437999013
(Q) An applicant shall let rk + 1,1 = rk,2, substitute rk + 1,1 for rk,1 in equation B55 and repeat equations B55—B64 up to four more times increasing “k” by an increment of one on each loop (e.g. kε{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}). If |r5,1−r5,2| >1 then the iterative solution does not converge and an impact point does not meet the accuracy tolerance of plus or minus one foot. An applicant must try more iterations, or restart the calculations with the next trajectory state vector.
(R) An applicant shall compute the difference between the eccentric anomaly at impact and the eccentric anomaly at epoch (Δε).
(S) An applicant shall compute the time of flight from epoch to impact (t).
(T) An applicant shall compute the geocentric latitude at impact (φ').
Where: + 90° >φ′i >−90°
(U) An applicant shall compute the geodetic latitude at impact (φ).
Where: + 90°>φi>−90°
(V) An applicant shall compute the East longitude at impact (λ).
(W) If the range from the launch point to the impact point is equal to or greater than 5000 nm, an applicant shall terminate IIP computations.
(4) For a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an applicant shall define a final stage impact dispersion area as part of the flight corridor and show the area on a map using the following procedure:
(i) For equation B70 below, an applicant shall use an apogee altitude (Hap) corresponding to the highest altitude reached by the launch vehicle final stage in the applicant's launch vehicle trajectory analysis done in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(ii).
(ii) An applicant shall define the final stage impact dispersion area by using a dispersion factor [DISP(Hap)] as shown below. An applicant shall calculate the impact dispersion radius (R) for the final launch vehicle stage. An applicant shall set R equal to the maximum apogee altitude (Hap) multiplied by the dispersion factor as shown below:
(5) An applicant shall combine the launch area and downrange area flight corridor and any final stage impact dispersion area for a guided suborbital launch vehicle.
(i) On the same map with the launch area flight corridor, an applicant shall plot the latitude and longitude positions of the left and right sides of the downrange area of the flight corridor calculated in accordance with subparagraph (d)(3).
(ii) An applicant shall connect the latitude and longitude positions of the left side of the downrange area of the flight corridor sequentially starting with the last IIP calculated on the left side and ending with the first IIP calculated on the left side. An applicant shall repeat this procedure for the right side.
(iii) An applicant shall connect the left sides of the launch area and downrange portions of the flight corridor. An applicant shall repeat this procedure for the right side.
(iv) An applicant shall plot the overflight exclusion zone defined in subparagraph (c)(7).
(v) An applicant shall draw any impact dispersion area on the downrange map with the center of the impact dispersion area on the launch vehicle final stage impact point obtained from the applicant's launch vehicle trajectory analysis done in accordance with subparagraph (b)(1)(ii).
(e) Evaluate the Launch Site
(1) An applicant shall evaluate the flight corridor for the presence of populated areas. If no populated area is located within the flight corridor, then no additional steps are necessary.
(3) If a populated area is located within the flight corridor, an applicant may modify its proposal or complete an overflight risk analysis in accordance with appendix C.
(1) This appendix provides a method for an applicant to estimate the expected casualty (Ec) for a launch of a guided expendable launch vehicle using a flight corridor generated either by appendix A or appendix B. This appendix also provides an applicant options to simplify the method where population at risk is minimal.
(1) An applicant shall obtain the data specified by subparagraphs (b)(2) and (3) and summarized in table C-1. Table C-1 provides sources where an applicant may obtain data acceptable to the FAA. An applicant must also employ the flight corridor information from appendix A or B, including flight azimuth and, for an appendix B flight corridor, trajectory information.
(2) Population data. Total population (N) and the total landmass area within a populated area (A) are required. Population data up to and including 100 nm from the launch point are required at the U.S. census block group level. Population data downrange from 100 nm are required at no greater than 1° × 1° latitude/longitude grid coordinates.
(3) Launch vehicle data. Launch vehicle data consist of the launch vehicle failure probability (Pf), the launch vehicle effective casualty area (Ac), trajectory position data, and the overflight dwell time (td). The failure probability is a constant (Pf = 0.10) for a guided orbital or suborbital expendable launch vehicle. Table C-3 provides effective casualty area data based on IIP range. Trajectory position information is provided from distance computations provided by this appendix for an appendix A flight corridor, or trajectory data used in appendix B for an appendix B flight corridor. The dwell time (td) may be determined from trajectory data produced when creating an appendix B flight corridor.
Table C-1—Overflight Analysis Data Requirements
Population Data Total population within a populated area (N) Within 100 nm of the launch point: U.S. census data at the census block-group level. Downrange from 100 nm beyond the launch point, world population data are available from:
Total landmass area within the populated area (A) Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Database—Global Population Distribution (1990), Terrestrial Area and Country Name Information on a One by One Degree Grid Cell Basis (DB1016 (8-1996)
Launch Vehicle Data Failure probability—Pf = 0.10 N/A.
Effective casualty area (Ac) See table C-3.
Overflight dwell time Determined by range from the launch point or trajectory used by applicant.
Nominal trajectory data (for an appendix B flight corridor only) See appendix B, table B-1.
(c) Estimating Corridor Casualty Expectation
(1) A corridor casualty expectation [EC(Corridor)] estimate is the sum of the expected casualty measurement of each populated area inside a flight corridor.
(2) An applicant shall identify and locate each populated area in the proposed flight corridor.
(3) An applicant shall determine the probability of impact in each populated area using the procedures in subparagraphs (5) or (6) of this paragraph. Figures C-1 and C-2 illustrate an area considered for probability of impact (Pi) computations by the dashed-lined box around the populated area within a flight corridor, and figure C-3 illustrates a populated area in a final stage impact dispersion area. An applicant shall then estimate the EC for each populated area in accordance with subparagraphs (7) and (8) of this paragraph.
(4) The Pi computations do not directly account for populated areas whose areas are bisected by an appendix A flight corridor centerline or an appendix B nominal trajectory ground trace. Accordingly, an applicant must evaluate Pi for each of the bi-sections as two separate populated areas, as shown in figure C-4, which shows one bi-section to the left of an appendix A flight corridor's centerline and one to its right.
(5) Probability of impact (Pi) computations for a populated area in an appendix A flight corridor. An applicant shall compute Pi for each populated area using the following method:
(i) For the launch and downrange areas, but not for a final stage impact dispersion area for a guided suborbital launch vehicle, an applicant shall compute Pi for each populated area using the following equation:
x1, x2 = closest and farthest downrange distance (nm) along the flight corridor centerline to the populated area (see figure C-1)
y1, y2 = closest and farthest cross range distance (nm) to the populated area measured from the flight corridor centerline (see figure C-1)
σy = one-third of the cross range distance from the centerline to the flight corridor boundary (see figure C-1)
exp = exponential function (ex)
Pf = probability of failure = 0.10
Ṙ = IIP range rate (nm/sec) (see table C-2)
C = 643 seconds (constant)
Table C-2—IIP Range Rate vs. IIP Range
IIP range
IIP range rate
0-75 0.75
76-300 1.73
301-900 4.25
901-1700 8.85
1701-2600 19.75
2601-3500 42.45
3501-4500 84.85
4501-5250 154.95
(ii) For each populated area within a final stage impact dispersion area, an applicant shall compute Pi using the following method:
(A) An applicant shall estimate the probability of final stage impact in the x and y sectors of each populated area within the final stage impact dispersion area using equations C2 and C3:
X1, X2 = closest and farthest downrange distance, measured along the flight corridor centerline, measured from the nominal impact point to the populated area (see figure C-3)
σx = one-third of the impact dispersion radius (see figure C-3)
y1, y2 = closest and farthest cross range distance to the populated area measured from the flight corridor centerline (see figure C-3)
σy = one-third of the impact dispersion radius (see figure C-3)
(B) If a populated area intersects the impact dispersion area boundary so that the x2 or y2 distance would otherwise extend outside the impact dispersion area, the x2 or y2 distance should be set equal to the impact dispersion area radius. The x2 distance for populated area A in figure C-3 is an example. If a populated area intersects the flight azimuth, an applicant shall solve equation C3 by obtaining the solution in two parts. An applicant shall determine, first, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = a and, second, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = b, as depicted in figure C-4. The probability Py is then equal to the sum of the probabilities of the two parts. If a populated area intersects the line that is normal to the flight azimuth on the impact point, an applicant shall solve equation C2 by obtaining the solution in two parts in the same manner as with the values of x.
(C) An applicant shall calculate the probability of impact for each populated area using equation C4 below:
where: Ps = 1−Pf = 0.90
(6) Probability of impact computations for a populated area in an appendix B flight corridor. An applicant shall compute Pi using the following method:
y1,y2 = closest and farthest cross range distance (nm) to a populated area measured from the nominal trajectory IIP ground trace (see figure C-2)
σy = one-third of the cross range distance (nm) from nominal trajectory to the flight corridor boundary (see figure C-2)
t = flight time from lift-off to orbital insertion (seconds)
td = overflight dwell time (seconds)
(A) An applicant shall estimate the probability of final stage impact in the x and y sectors of each populated area within the final stage impact dispersion area using equations C6 and C7:
x1, x2 = closest and farthest downrange distance, measured along nominal trajectory IIP ground trace, measured from the nominal impact point to the populated area (see figure C-3)
y1, y2 = closest and farthest cross range distance to the populated area measured from the nominal trajectory IIP ground trace (see figure C-3)
(B) If a populated area intersects the impact dispersion area boundary so that the x2 or y2 distance would otherwise extend outside the impact dispersion area, the x2 or y2 distance should be set equal to the impact dispersion area radius. The x2 distance for populated area A in figure C-3 is an example. If a populated area intersects the flight azimuth, an applicant shall solve equation C7 by obtaining the solution in two parts. An applicant shall determine, first, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = a and, second, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = b, as depicted in figure C-4. The probability Py is then equal to the sum of the probabilities of the two parts. If a populated area intersects the line that is normal to the flight azimuth on the impact point, an applicant shall solve equation C6 by obtaining the solution in two parts in a similar manner with the values of x.
(C) An applicant shall calculate the probability of impact for each populated area using equation C8 below:
(7) Using the Pi calculated in either subparagraph (c)(5) or (6) of this paragraph, an applicant shall calculate the casualty expectancy for each populated area within the flight corridor in accordance with equation C9. Eck is the casualty expectancy for a given populated area as shown in equation C9, where individual populated areas are designated with the subscript “k”.
Ac = casualty area (from table C-3)
Ak = populated area
Nk = population in Ak
Table C-3—Effective Casualty Area (Miles2) as a Function of IIP Range (NM)
Instantaneous impact point range (nautical miles)
0-49 3.14 × 10−2 1.28 × 10−1 4.71 × 10−2 8.59 × 10−2 4.3 × 10−1
50-1749 2.47 × 10−2 2.98 × 10−2 9.82 × 10−3 2.45 × 10−2 1.3 × 10−1
1750-5000 3.01 × 10−4 5.52 × 10−3 7.82 × 10−3 1.14 × 10−2 3.59 × 10−6
(8) An applicant shall estimate the total corridor risk using the following summation of risk:
(9) Alternative casualty expectancy (EC) analyses. An applicant may employ specified variations to the analysis defined by subparagraphs (c)(1)-(8). Those variations are identified in subparagraphs (9)(i) through (vi) of this paragraph. Subparagraphs (i) through (iv) permit an applicant to make conservative assumptions that would lead to an overestimation of the corridor EC compared with the analysis defined by subparagraphs (c)(1)-(8). In subparagraphs (v) and (vi), an applicant that would otherwise fail the analysis prescribed by subparagraphs (c)(1)-(8) may avoid (c)(1)-(8)'s overestimation of the probability of impact in each populated area. An applicant employing a variation shall identify the variation used, show and discuss the specific assumptions made to modify the analysis defined by subparagraphs (c)(1)-(8), and demonstrate how each assumption leads to overestimation of the corridor EC compared with the analysis defined by subparagraphs (c)(1)-(c)(8).
(i) Assume that Px and Py have a value of 1.0 for all populated areas.
(ii) Combine populated areas into one or more larger populated areas, and use a population density for the combined area or areas equal to the most densely populated area.
(iii) For any given populated area, assume Py has a value of one.
(iv) For any given Px sector (an area spanning the width of a flight corridor and bounded by two time points on the trajectory IIP ground trace) assume Py has a value of one and use a population density for the sector equal to the most densely populated area.
(v) For a given populated area, divide the populated area into smaller rectangles, determine Pi for each individual rectangle, and sum the individual impact probabilities to determine Pi for the entire populated area.
(vi) For a given populated area, use the ratio of the populated area to the area of the Pi rectangle from the subparagraph (c)(1)-(8) analysis.
(d) Evaluation of Results
[Doc. No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Amdt. 420-2, 71 FR 51972, Aug. 31, 2006; Docket No. FAA-2014-0418, Amdt. No. 420-7, 81 FR 47027, July 20, 2016]
(1) This appendix provides a method for determining the acceptability of the location of a launch point from which an unguided suborbital launch vehicle would be launched. The appendix describes how to define an overflight exclusion zone and impact dispersion areas, and how to evaluate whether the public risk presented by the launch of an unguided suborbital launch vehicle remains at acceptable levels.
(3) An applicant shall use the apogee of each stage of an existing unguided suborbital launch vehicle with a final launch vehicle stage apogee equal to the one proposed, and calculate each impact range and dispersion area using the equations provided.
(4) This appendix also provides a method for performing an impact risk analysis that estimates the expected casualty (Ec) within each impact dispersion area. This appendix provides an applicant options to simplify the method where population at risk is minimal.
(1) An applicant shall employ the apogee of each stage of an existing unguided suborbital launch vehicle whose final stage apogee represents the maximum altitude to be reached by unguided suborbital launch vehicles launched from the launch point. The apogee shall be obtained from one or more actual flights of an unguided suborbital launch vehicle launched at an 84 degree elevation.
(2) An applicant shall satisfy the map and plotting data requirements of appendix A, paragraph (b).
(3) Population data. An applicant shall use total population (N) and the total landmass area within a populated area (A) for all populated areas within an impact dispersion area. Population data up to and including 100 nm from the launch point are required at the U.S. census block group level. Population data downrange from 100 nm are required at no greater than 1° × 1° latitude/longitude grid coordinates.
(c) Overflight Exclusion Zone and Impact Dispersion Areas
(1) An applicant shall choose a flight azimuth from a launch point.
(2) An applicant shall define an overflight exclusion zone as a circle with a radius of 1600 feet centered on the launch point.
(3) An applicant shall define an impact dispersion area for each stage of the suborbital launch vehicle chosen in accordance with subparagraph (b)(1) in accordance with the following:
(i) An applicant shall calculate the impact range for the final launch vehicle stage (Dn). An applicant shall set Dn equal to the last stage apogee altitude (Hn) multiplied by an impact range factor [IP(Hn)] in accordance with the following:
IP(Hn) = 0.4 for an apogee less than 100 km, and
IP(Hn) = 0.7 for an apogee of 100 km or greater.
(ii) An applicant shall calculate the impact range for each intermediate stage (Di), where i ε {1, 2, 3, . . . (n− 1)}, and where n is the total number of launch vehicle stages. Using the apogee altitude (Hi) of each intermediate stage, an applicant shall use equation D1 to compute the impact range of each stage by substituting Hi for Hn. An applicant shall use the impact range factors provided by equation D1.
(iii) An applicant shall calculate the impact dispersion radius for the final launch vehicle stage (Rn). An applicant shall set Rn equal to the last stage apogee altitude (Hn) multiplied by an impact dispersion factor [DISP(Hn)] in accordance with the following:
DISP(Hn) = 0.4 for an apogee less than 100 km, and
DISP(Hn) = 0.7 for an apogee of 100 km or greater.
(iv) An applicant shall calculate the impact dispersion radius for each intermediate stage (Ri), where i ε {1, 2, 3, . . . (n− 1)} and where n is the total number of launch vehicle stages. Using the apogee altitude (Hi) of each intermediate stage, an applicant shall use equation D2 to compute an impact dispersion radius of each stage by substituting Hi for Hn. An applicant shall use the dispersion factors provided by equation D2.
(4) An applicant shall display an overflight exclusion zone, each intermediate and final stage impact point (Di through Dn), and each impact dispersion area for the intermediate and final launch vehicle stages on maps in accordance with paragraph (b)(2).
(d) Evaluate the Overflight Exclusion Zone and Impact Dispersion Areas
(1) An applicant shall evaluate the overflight exclusion zone and each impact dispersion area for the presence of any populated areas. If an applicant determines that no populated area is located within the overflight exclusion zone or any impact dispersion area, then no additional steps are necessary.
(3) If a populated area is located within any impact dispersion area, an applicant may modify its proposal and define a new overflight exclusion zone and new impact dispersion areas, or perform an impact risk analysis in accordance with paragraph (e).
(e) Impact Risk Analysis
(1) An applicant shall estimate the expected average number of casualties, EC, within the impact dispersion areas according to the following method:
(i) An applicant shall calculate the Ec by summing the impact risk for the impact dispersion areas of the final launch vehicle stage and all intermediate stages. An applicant shall estimate Ec for the impact dispersion area of each stage by using equations D3 through D7 for each of the populated areas located within the impact dispersion areas.
(ii) An applicant shall estimate the probability of impacting inside the X and Y sectors of each populated area within each impact dispersion area using equations D3 and D4:
x1, x2 = closest and farthest downrange distance to populated area (see figure D-2)
σx = one-third of the impact dispersion radius (see figure D-2)
y1, y2 = closest and farthest cross range distance to the populated area (see figure D-2)
σy = one-third of the impact dispersion radius (see figure D-2)
(iii) If a populated area intersects the impact dispersion area boundary so that the x2 or y2 distance would otherwise extend outside the impact dispersion area, the x2 or y2 distance should be set equal to the impact dispersion area radius. The x2 distance for populated area A in figure D-2 is an example.
(iv) If a populated area intersects the flight azimuth, an applicant shall solve equation D4 by obtaining the solution in two parts. An applicant shall determine, first, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = a and, second, the probability between y1 = 0 and y2 = b, as depicted in figure D-3. The probability Py is then equal to the sum of the probabilities of the two parts. If a populated area intersects the line that is normal to the flight azimuth on the impact point, an applicant shall solve equation D3 by obtaining the solution in two parts in the same manner as with the values of x.
(v) An applicant shall calculate the probability of impact (Pi) for each populated area using the following equation:
Ps = probability of success = 0.98
(vi) An applicant shall calculate the casualty expectancy for each populated area. Eck is the casualty expectancy for a given populated area as shown in equation D6, where individual populated areas are designated with the subscript “k”.
k { {1, 2, 3, . . . , n}
Ac = casualty area (from table D-1)
Table D-1—Effective Casualty Area (Ac) vs. Impact Range
Impact range (nm)
Effective casualty area
(miles2)
0-4 9 × 10−3
5-49 9 × 10−3
50-1,749 1.1 × 10−5
1,750-4,999 3.6 × 10−6
5,000-more 3.6 × 10−6
(vii) An applicant shall estimate the total risk using the following summation of risk:
(viii) Alternative casualty expectancy (Ec) analysis. An applicant may employ specified variations to the analysis defined by subparagraphs (d)(1)(i)-(vii). Those variations are identified in subparagraphs (viii)(A) through (F) of this paragraph. Subparagraphs (A) through (D) permit an applicant to make conservative assumptions that would lead to an overestimation of Ec compared with the analysis defined by subparagraphs (d)(1)(i)-(vii). In subparagraphs (E) and (F), an applicant that would otherwise fail the analysis prescribed by subparagraphs (d)(1)(i)-(vii) may avoid (d)(1)(i)-(vii)'s overestimation of the probability of impact in each populated area. An applicant employing a variation shall identify the variation used, show and discuss the specific assumptions made to modify the analysis defined by subparagraphs (d)(1)(i)-(vii), and demonstrate how each assumption leads to overestimation of the corridor Ec compared with the analysis defined by subparagraphs (d)(1)(i)-(vii).
(A) Assume that Px and Py have a value of 1.0 for all populated areas.
(B) Combine populated areas into one or more larger populated areas, and use a population density for the combined area or areas equal to the most densely populated area.
(C) For any given populated area, assume Px has a value of one.
(D) For any given populated area, assume Py has a value of one.
(E) For a given populated area, divide the populated area into smaller rectangles, determine Pi for each individual rectangle, and sum the individual impact probabilities to determine Pi for the entire populated area.
(F) For a given populated area, use the ratio of the populated area to the area of the Pi rectangle used in the subparagraph (d)(1)(i)-(vii) analysis.
[Docket No. FAA-1999-5833, 65 FR 62861, Oct. 19, 2000, as amended by Docket No. FAA-2014-0418, Amdt. No. 420-7, 81 FR 47027, July 20, 2016]
Table E-1—Division 1.1 Distances to a Public Area or Public Traffic Route for NEW ≤450 lbs
Distance to public area
(ft)1 2
Distance to public traffic route distance
(ft)2
≤0.5 236 142
0.7 263 158
1 291 175
2 346 208
3 378 227
5 419 251
7 445 267
10 474 284
15 506 304
20 529 317
30 561 337
31 563 338
50 601 361
70 628 377
100 658 395
150 815 489
200 927 556
300 1085 651
450 1243 746
1To calculate distance d to a public area from NEW:
NEW ≤0.5 lbs: d = 236
0.5 lbs <NEW <100 lbs: d = 291.3 + [79.2 *ln(NEW)]
100 lbs ≤NEW ≤450 lbs: d = −1133.9 + [389 *ln(NEW)]
NEW is in lbs; d is in ft; ln is natural logarithm.
To calculate maximum NEW given distance d (noting that d can never be less than 236 ft):
0 ≤d <236 ft: Not allowed (d cannot be less than 236 ft)
236 ft ≤d <658 ft: NEW = exp [(d/79.2)-3.678]
658 ft ≤d <1250 ft: NEW = exp [(d/389) + 2.914]
NEW is in lbs; d is in ft; exp[x] is ex.
2The public traffic route distance is 60 percent of the distance to a public area.
Table E-2—Division 1.1 Distance to Public Area and Public Traffic Route for NEW >450 lbs
NEW (lbs)
(ft)1
Distance to public traffic route
450 lbs<NEW ≤30,000 lbs 1,250 750.
30,000 lbs<NEW ≤100,000 lbs 40*NEW1/3 0.60*(Distance to Public Area).
100,000 lbs<NEW ≤250,000 lbs 2.42*NEW0.577 0.60*(Distance to Public Area).
250,000 lbs<NEW 50*NEW1/3 0.60*(Distance to Public Area).
1To calculate NEW from distance d to a public area:
1, 243 ft<d ≤1,857 ft: NEW = d3/64,000
1, 857 ft<d ≤3,150 ft: NEW = 0.2162 * d 1.7331
3,150 ft<d: NEW = d3/125,000
NEW is in lbs; d is in ft.
Table E-3—Division 1.1 Intraline Distances1 2 3
1,000 180
1,500 206
5,000 308
7,000 344
10,000 388
15,000 444
20,000 489
30,000 559
50,000 663
70,000 742
100,000 835
150,000 956
200,000 1,053
300,000 1,205
500,000 3 1,429
700,000 1,598
1,000,000 1,800
1,500,000 2,060
2,000,000 2,268
3,000,000 2,596
5,000,000 3,078
1To calculate intraline distance d from NEW:
d = 18*NEW 1/3
NEW is in pounds; d is in feet
2To calculate maximum NEW from given intraline distance d:
NEW = d3/5,832
NEW is in pounds; d is in feet.
3NEW values of more than 500,000 lbs only apply to liquid propellants with TNT equivalents equal to those NEW values. The intraline distances for NEW greater than 500,000 pounds do not apply to division 1.1 explosives.
Table E-4—Division 1.3 Separation Distances
Distance to public area or public traffic route (ft)1
distance (ft)2
≤1000 75 50
1,500 82 56
2,000 89 61
3,000 101 68
5,000 117 80
7,000 130 88
10,000 145 98
15,000 164 112
20,000 180 122
30,000 204 138
50,000 240 163
70,000 268 181
100,000 300 204
150,000 346 234
200,000 385 260
300,000 454 303
500,000 569 372
700,000 668 428
1,000,000 800 500
1,500,000 936 577
2,000,000 1,008 630
1To calculate distance d to a public area or traffic route from NEW:
NEW ≤1,000lbs
d= 75 ft
1,000 lbs<NEW ≤96,000 lbs
d = exp[2.47 + 0.2368*(ln(NEW)) + 0.00384*(ln(NEW))2]
96,000 lbs<NEW ≤1,000,000 lbs
d = exp[7.2297−0.5984*(ln(NEW)) + 0.04046*(ln(NEW))2]
NEW >1,000,000 lbs
d = 8*NEW1/3
NEW is in pounds; d is in feet; exp[x] is ex; ln is natural logarithm.
To calculate NEW from distance d to a public area or traffic route (noting that d cannot be less than 75 ft):
0 ≤d <75 ft:
Not allowed (d cannot be less than 75 ft) for NEW ≤1000 lbs
75 ft ≤d≤296 ft
NEW = exp[−30.833 + (307.465 + 260.417*(ln(d)))1/2]
296 ft<d≤800 ft
NEW = exp[7.395 + (−124.002 + 24.716*(ln(d)))1/2]
800 ft<d
NEW = d3/512
NEW is in lbs; d is in ft; exp[x] is ex; ln is natural logarithm
2To calculate intraline distance d from NEW:
NEW ≤1,000 lbs
d = 50 ft
1,000 lbs<NEW ≤84,000 lbs
d = exp[2.0325 + 0.2488*(ln(NEW)) + 0.00313* (ln(NEW))2]
84,000 lbs<NEW ≤1,000,000 lbs
d= exp[4.338−0.1695*(ln(NEW)) + 0.0221*(ln(NEW))2]
1,000,000 lbs<NEW
d = 5*NEW 1/3
NEW is in pounds; d is in feet; exp[x] is ex; ln is natural logarithm
To calculate NEW from an intraline distance d:
0 ≤d <50 ft:
Not allowed (d cannot be less than 50 ft) for NEW ≤1000 lbs
50 ft ≤d≤192 ft
NEW = exp[−39.744 + (930.257 + 319.49*(ln(d)))1/2]
192 ft<d≤500 ft
NEW = exp[3.834 + (−181.58 + 45.249*(ln(d)))1/2]
500 ft≤d
NEW = d3/125
Table E-5—Energetic Liquid Explosive Equivalents1 2 3
Energetic liquids
Static Test Stands Launch Pads.
LO2/LH2 See Note 3 See Note 3.
LO2/LH2 + LO2/RP-1 Sum of (see Note 3 for LO2/LH2) + (10% for LO2/RP1) Sum of (see Note 3 for LO2/LH2) + (20% for LO2/RP1).
LO2/RP-1 10% 20% up to 500,000 lbs
Plus 10% over 500,000 lbs
IRFNA/UDMH 10% 10%.
N204/UDMH + N2H4 5% 10%.
1A launch site operator must use the percentage factors of table E-5 to determine TNT equivalencies of incompatible energetic liquids that are within an intraline distance of each other.
2A launch site operator may substitute the following energetic liquids to determine TNT equivalency under this table as follows:
Alcohols or other hydrocarbon for RP-1
H2O2 for LO2 (only when H2O2 is in combination with RP-1 or equivalent hydrocarbon fuel)
MMH for N2H4, UDMH, or combinations of the two.
3TNT equivalency for LO2/LH2 is the larger of:
(a) TNT equivalency of 8*W2/3, where W is the weight of LO2/LH2 in lbs; or
(b) 14 percent of the LO2/LH2 weight.
Table E-6—Factors To Use When Converting Energetic Liquid Densities
Ethyl alcohol 6.6 68
Hydrazine 8.4 68
Hydrogen peroxide (90 percent) 11.6 68
Liquid hydrogen 0.59 −423
Liquid oxygen 9.5 −297
Red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) 12.9 77
RP-1 6.8 68
UDMH 6.6 68
UDMH/Hydrazine 7.5 68
Table E-7—Separation Distance Criteria for Storage of Hydrogen Peroxide in Concentrations of More than 91 Percent1 2
Intraline distance or distance to public area or distance to public traffic route
15,000 592
20,000 651
30,000 746
50,000 884
70,000 989
100,000 1114
150,000 1275
200,000 1404
300,000 1607
500,000 1905
1Multiple tanks containing hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of greater than 91 percent may be located at distances less than those required by table E-7; however, if the tanks are not separated from each other by 10 percent of the distance specified for the largest tank, then the launch site operator must use the total contents of all tanks to calculate each intraline distance and the distance to each public area and each public traffic route.
2A launch site operator may use the equations below to determine permissible distance or quantity between the entries of table E-7:
W >10,000 lbs Distance = 24 * W1/3
Where Distance is in ft and W is in lbs.
To calculate weight of hydrogen peroxide from a distance d:
d >75 ft
W = exp[−134.286 + 71.998*(ln(d)) −12.363*(ln(d))2 + 0.7229*(ln(d))3]
Table E-8—Separation Distance Criteria for Storage of Liquid Hydrogen and Bulk Quantities of Hydrazine
Pounds of energetic liquid
Public area and intraline distance to incompatible energetic liquids
Intraline distance to compatible energetic liquids
Over Not Over Distance in feet Distance in feet Over Not Over Distance in feet Distance in feet
60,000 70,000 1,200 130
100 200 600 35 70,000 80,000 1,200 130
200 300 600 40 80,000 90,000 1,200 135
300 400 600 45 90,000 100,000 1,200 135
400 500 600 50 100,000 125,000 1,800 140
500 600 600 50 125,000 150,000 1,800 145
600 700 600 55 150,000 175,000 1,800 150
700 800 600 55 175,000 200,000 1,800 155
800 900 600 60 200,000 250,000 1,800 160
900 1,000 600 60 250,000 300,000 1,800 165
1,000 2,000 600 65 300,000 350,000 1,800 170
2,000 3,000 600 70 350,000 400,000 1,800 175
3,000 4,000 600 75 400,000 450,000 1,800 180
4,000 5,000 600 80 450,000 500,000 1,800 180
5,000 6,000 600 80 500,000 600,000 1,800 185
6,000 7,000 600 85 600,000 700,000 1,800 190
7,000 8,000 600 85 700,000 800,000 1,800 195
8,000 9,000 600 90 800,000 900,000 1,800 200
9,000 10,000 600 90 900,000 1,000,000 1,800 205
10,000 15,000 1,200 95 1,000,000 2,000,000 1,800 235
15,000 20,000 1,200 100 2,000,000 3,000,000 1,800 255
20,000 25,000 1,200 105 3,000,000 4,000,000 1,800 265
25,000 30,000 1,200 110 4,000,000 5,000,000 1,800 275
30,000 35,000 1,200 110 5,000,000 6,000,000 1,800 285
35,000 40,000 1,200 115 6,000,000 7,000,000 1,800 295
40,000 45,000 1,200 120 7,000,000 8,000,000 1,800 300
45,000 50,000 1,200 120 8,000,000 9,000,000 1,800 305
50,000 60,000 1,200 125 9,000,000 10,000,000 1,800 310