The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has proposed two sites for a Commercial Vertical Launch Complex near the Mosquito and Indian River lagoons. The 200-acre sites on Kennedy Space Center land would not be run by NASA, but instead private commercial interests or the state of Florida. Two separate launch pads and rocket facilities are part of the proposal that would allow an American company to send astronauts to the International Space Station.

Because of the close proximity of each site to Playalinda Beach, some anglers and beach-goers are wondering if surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore waters will see more closures, and in new areas.

Alternative site 1 is located south of existing Shuttle launch complex 39A and north of Atlas launch complex 41. In fishing terms, that’s east of Bluebill and Pintail creeks, just onshore the False Cape area.

Alternative site 2 is located more inland, bordering the southwest edge of Mosquito Lagoon. On a map, the prospective area is east of State Route 3, north of State Route 406 and south of the Scrub Ridge Trail Road.

Answers to possible closures remain unclear. The beach and parts of the Merritt Island Refuge now close three days prior to a shuttle launch and then reopen after launch. Similar restrictions are likely for launches from the new site. Otherwise, the beach, the refuge and other parts of Canaveral National Seashore are expected to remain open to the public.

As part of an ongoing environmental assessment, nine proposed locations have already been discarded for various reasons. At least one would have definitely resulted in more frequent closures of popular Playalinda Beach.

NASA is conducting a series scoping meetings to discuss with the public possible environmental and fishing impacts of the proposed sites. The public meetings are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 in the Titusville City Council Chambers, and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at New Smyrna Beach Public Library.

To learn more about the proposal, contact Mario Busacca in the Environmental Program Office at (321) 867-8456; send emails to KSC-CVLC@nasa.gov. Or go online: environmental.ksc.nasa.gov/projects/ksc-cvlc.htm.