FAA license boosts Georgia spaceport, but more reviews ahead

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: Associated Press

FAA license boosts Georgia spaceport, but more reviews ahead

8 minutes ago

KINGSLAND, Ga. (AP) — A federal agency on Monday granted a license for a launchpad that would fly commercial rockets from coastal Georgia.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s approval of a launch site operator license for Spaceport Camden marks a significant milestone for the Georgia space project, though many reviews and permits are needed before any rockets can actually launch.

A Camden County leader said Monday that the project propels Georgia into the space race that’s seen civilians and celebrities flown into space in recent months. ... “This once in a generation opportunity will provide a new frontier of economic prosperity for Camden, the region and the state of Georgia,” Steve Howard, Camden County Administrator and Spaceport Camden executive project lead, said in a statement after the FAA’s decision was announced.

{snip}

Even with the license, the FAA says that more comprehensive reviews would be needed before any rockets can be launched. ... In its 36-page decision released Monday, the FAA said it considered potential impacts to the climate and environment, public comments, and the agency’s responsibility to encourage and promote commercial space launches by the private sector.

“Sea level rise and other climatological changes, such as increase in extreme weather events, may affect the spaceport in the coming years,” the FAA wrote in its report.

{snip}

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/space-launches-technology-science-business-georgia-3473074804a147a1520ba45efd4d4269

[Pinback]

1. The proposed spaceport would have a devastating impact on the Cumberland Island wilderness.

UPDATE 9/18/20 (Southern Environmental Law Center) — SELC filed ammended complaints in its ongoing lawsuit against Camden County and Spaceport Camden consultant Andrew Nelson for failing to meet requirements under the Georgia Open Records Act. This follows years of ignored requests for public records. Click here for more details.

As proponents of Spaceport Camden continue to push the controversial project forward despite mounting questions concerning public safety and environmental impacts, local residents are demanding answers about the potential dangers to nearby communities and sensitive ecosystems.

Today SELC filed suit on behalf of One Hundred Miles in Camden County Superior Court against Camden County and Spaceport Camden consultants for failing to meet requirements under the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA).

After refusing to grant repeated requests for specific documents, including debris field maps and an analysis estimating the number of human deaths that could occur if a rocket explodes on the launch pad or in the air, the county has continued to forge ahead with Spaceport Camden.

- more at link: https://www.southernenvironment.org/news/camden-county-ga-sued-over-documents-withheld-about-spaceport-risks/

For further information:
Camden County, Ga. sued over documents withheld about Spaceport risks - Southern Environmental Law Center

How to Comment Effectively on the Proposed Spaceport - https://wildcumberland.org/how-to-comment-effectively-on-the-proposed-spaceport/

WildCumberland.org links - https://wildcumberland.org/spaceport/

Organizations standing together against the spaceport - https://wildcumberland.org/organizations-standing-together-against-the-spaceport/

[cagefreesoylentgreen]

2. Move it to Nevada

We have lots of empty land and we already have some infrastructure in place at Groom Lake.

[Shipwack]

3. There's a navy submarine base there...

I wonder how they feel about a rocket exploding nearby.

I used to be stationed there, real nice area. A bit backwards and redneck-y, though the influx of military dragged them kicking and screaming into the 20th century.

[Irish_Dem]

4. These subs are worth billions of dollars. The Pentagon better step in and

make some noise if the subs are going to be at risk from exploding and falling rockets.