Space is written into Central Florida’s DNA. There’s little doubt that the regional economy has benefited greatly from the presence of the nation’s primary space-launch site in Cape Canaveral, dividends that have only multiplied with the advent of commercial space flight and establishment of Patrick Space Force Base. It’s not just the economic gains: Local residents still thrill to the sight of a rocket climbing into the sky, and grin when a sonic boom from a decelerating spacecraft rattles their windows. When tragedy strikes, our grief knows no bounds.
That doesn’t mean local residents are ready to write a blank check for space-related activities — particularly use of taxpayer-owned assets by for-profit companies. If private space enterprises like SpaceX or Blue Origin want to launch from government facilities, they should reimburse for those costs — particularly when they seek exclusive use of launchpads or other infrastructure. And when they ask for leeway to close public assets, like area beaches or the Merritt Island Natural Wildlife Refuge, they need to make their case to the public, not just NASA — with full and open accountability. That should include a willingness to answer tough questions in an open forum, and due diligence to ensure that restrictions on public access to public land aren’t tighter than they need to be.
Community advocates say that’s not happening with planned launch/landing facilities being requested by SpaceX that would allow it to fire off more big rockets as well as bring them back to Earth. They are urging locals to speak out at a series of public meetings this week — and are justifiably unhappy that the meetings aren’t as public as they could be.
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The critics raise multiple issues. First, the potential environmental impacts on a fragile, beloved piece of coastline need extensive study — particularly when it comes to impacts on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which lies north of the proposed launch site. If all goes well, there still could be significant impacts on the birds and other species that call the refuge their home. And as any casual observer knows, things don’t always go well with SpaceX launches or landings.
The Federal Aviation Administration and NASA could shut down an inquiry into the environmental ramifications with a finding of “no significant impact” on area wildlife, shoreline and salt marsh — and the FAA has already released a draft explanation of that position. Yet it discusses significant problems with launches, including noise levels so high they could wake up people in Titusville or Cocoa Beach, and notes the incredible abundance of wildlife that make this area their home. This section of coast is one of the few places in Florida where residents can see a beach unshadowed by condominiums. Increased launch activity could have a significant impact on this natural treasure — and maybe that’s a tradeoff worth making. But it’s a decision that deserves deep scrutiny. There’s no rewind button.
Second, the SpaceX proposal would shut down access to Playalinda Beach, a popular stretch of the Canaveral National Seashore, for 60 days or more each year. This, despite the fact that the public access road that leads to that section of the shore lies well outside the recommended 3.11-mile shutdown radius that NASA imposes. (Sponsors of a petition on Change.org note that people work and live within two miles of SpaceX’s dedicated facilities in Boca Chica, Texas — while that might not be the most compelling argument, it deserves an explanation.)
Residents have a chance to make their opinions known at two in-person hearings this week, as well as a two-hour virtual forum Sept. 3. Unfortunately, access to Tuesday’s hearing at the Kennedy Space Center/Visitor’s Complex — the closest for Orlando-area residents — requires a parking pass that must be printed out or downloaded to a cellphone for those wishing to attend. (A link to the printable pass can be found in the online version of this editorial.) Public input is scheduled for two time frames: 1-3 p.m., and 6-8 p.m.
Thursday’s meeting is set for the Radisson Conference in Cape Canaveral, with the same two time slots. The Sept. 3 online hearing will take place from 6-8 p.m.
It’s not nearly enough time to get the answers the public deserves, says Robert Harper of the organization Save Our Beach — and he has a point. While it’s true that a full environmental impact study of the proposal might add a few years to the SpaceX proposal, federal officials should do their best to balance the request while protecting the public and the seashore. That might delay SpaceX’s request, or incorporate a shutdown area with a smaller shutdown zone that, for now, preserves Playalinda access.
That seems like a worthwhile tradeoff to examine. Federal officials should take the time to listen to local residents, and find a way for everyone to be accommodated.
The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com
