Description
The only space launch site capable of placing satellites into geosynchronous orbit, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFS) is a unique resource relied upon by both government and commercial space operations. However, loss of scrub habitat and concomitant impacts to the threatened Florida scrub-jay pose a significant threat to current and future launch programs.
Current launch programs are constrained within their existing footprint on base, and the only available land for any new "heavy" launch vehicle or processing facilities is mostly scrub habitat. All activities at Cape Canaveral AFS that impact scrub habitat incur a 4-to-1 mitigation requirement to offset the habitat loss. But since the base is only 15,800 acres and is surrounded by water on three sides, land is limited.
To protect its mission and preserve this endangered habitat, Cape Canaveral AFS has partnered with Brevard County and its voter-approved Environmentally Endangered Lands Program to preserve nearby undeveloped scrub habitat. This project helps protect survival of the Florida scrub-jay and provides the Cape with opportunities to reduce its mitigation ratio, allowing additional lands to be put to mission use. The project alleviates threats to future missions and allows continued access to space—including access for GPS, communications, and weather satellites—that benefits the entire nation.
Benefits
Community Benefits:
-
- Coordinates with existing regional planning efforts
-
- Preserves habitat for threatened and endangered species
-
- Protects local character
-
Military Benefits:
-
- Preserves launch capabilities and supports government and commercial space programs
-
- Provides for future mission growth
-
Partners
Facts
Acres: 189
Transactions: 6
Cost Share: 52%
Contact
Name: Public Affairs Office
Phone: (321) 494-5922
Images
Preserving local habitat helps preserve the mission at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Preserving habitat for the Florida scrub-jay.