Test and Operation of the Stratolaunch Talon-A Hypersonic Research Testbed Vehicle, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California

Summary

SCH Number
2022080251
Lead Agency
United States Air Force (USAF)
Document Title
Test and Operation of the Stratolaunch Talon-A Hypersonic Research Testbed Vehicle, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
Document Type
EA - Environmental Assessment
Received
Document Description
Stratolaunch, operating from the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) in southern California, proposes to perform launch and non-launch operations as part of this project, utilizing a Carrier Aircraft to transport the Talon-A vehicle to the required altitude and location for each test or hypersonic operational mission. The U.S. Space Force (USSF) will serve as the launch control authority for Stratolaunch’s tests and operations. The FAA will license launch operations and approve related airspace closures for launch operations. The DoN will authorize the use of facilities at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), San Nicolas Island (SNI) in the event that an alternate landing of the Talon-A is necessary. The Proposed Project would include activities at MHV; Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB); SNI; and the Broad Ocean Area (BOA) off the coast of California. Non-launch operations would include captive carry events of the Talon-A vehicle, which would not release the Talon-A from the Carrier Aircraft. In addition, non-launch operations would include up to two separation tests of a Talon-A test article to test the release mechanism on the Carrier Aircraft and drop a simulated Talon-A into the ocean. Non-launch operations would also include glide flights where the Talon-A vehicle would be released from the Carrier Aircraft but the engine on the Talon-A would not power the vehicle and the vehicle would land at VSFB's runway. Launch operations would include powered flight of the reusable Talon-A over the BOA off the coast of California with runway landings at VSFB in addition to an alternate landing site at SNI.

Contact Information

Name
Amy Noddings
Agency Name
Tetra Tech
Job Title
Senior Biologist/Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Consulting Firm

Name
Tiffany Whitsitt-Odell
Agency Name
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Cities
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Counties
Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Airfield Rd and 13th Street
Zip
93437
Total Acres
NA
Jobs
200
Parcel #
NA
State Highways
NA
Railways
NA
Airports
VSFB Airfield
Schools
NA
Waterways
Santa Ynez River
Township
NA
Range
NA
Section
NA
Base
NA

Notice of Completion

Development Types
Other (Commercial launch)
Local Actions
Launch license
Project Issues
Air Quality, Biological Resources, Economics/Jobs, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, Hydrology/Water Quality, Noise, Solid Waste, Transportation
Local Review Period Start
Local Review Period End

Attachments

Draft Environmental Document [Draft IS, NOI_NOA_Public notices, OPR Summary Form, Appx,]
Notice of Completion [NOC] Transmittal form

Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.

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