NASA News Release 97-004
January 16, 1997

NASA plans to hold a public meeting Jan. 23 in Idaho Falls to gather public comment on its plan to conduct flight tests of the X-33 Advanced Technology Demonstrator. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls, Idaho. The meeting is part of NASA's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process in support of the X-33 program.

Plans call for 15 test flights of the X-33 from March to December 1999. All flights would originate from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. As proposed, a series of short-range flights would land at a dry lake bed in Southern California. Later mid-range flights would land at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Long-range flights would land at either Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., or Moses Lake, Wash.

Although flight paths have not been finalized, the X-33 may glide unfueled over areas of Idaho at an altitude of about 50 miles while on approach to the proposed landing site at Malmstrom AFB near Great Falls.

NASA will accept public comments relevant to scoping of the X-33 through Feb. 7, 1997. Written comments may be mailed to-.
Dr. Rebecca C. McCaleb, Director
Environmental Engineering & Management - AE01
Marshall Space Flight Center AL 35812

Also, people may forward comments for the EIS by faxing to (205) 544-8259, or e-mailing to x33eis@msfc.nasa.gov. Comments also may be provided by calling 1-800-833-0678 and leaving a message on the recording machine. NASA will use its best effort to transcribe verbal comments; however, NASA cannot guarantee the same accuracy as receiving comments in writing.

The formal scoping period began Oct. 7 after NASA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS for the development and testing of the X-33. The EIS is being prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, and NASA policy and regulations.

To view a copy of the NOI (Notice 96-118), visit the program's Web site at http://rlv.msfc.nasa.gov. [NOTE: This URL is no longer valid.] For more information on the EIS, or to add your name to those wishing to receive a copy of the draft EIS scheduled to be released in the late spring, write to the address above.

The Idaho Falls meeting will be the 12th public meeting held by NASA to discuss the X-33. Earlier meetings were held in towns neighboring the proposed takeoff site in Southern California, and proposed landing sites in Southern California, Utah, Western Washington and Montana.