The Space Shuttle Program at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida launched 135 times over 30 years, constructing and supplying the International Space Station and deploying, retrieving, and repairing satellites. Near-field deposition from launch clouds impacted a 221 acre area, damaging exposed vegetation for up to 6 months and killing fish in shallow water. Far-field deposition over 57,142 acres increased metal levels in soil and also impacted wildlife, killing various species. To mitigate the ecological impacts, actions were taken to transition to a multi-user spaceport, alter land uses to reduce environmental effects, and establish an ecological program to monitor impacts and support natural resource management.

1. Ecological Impacts of the Space Shuttle Program
at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida

2. Space Shuttle Program
• Program duration- 1972–2011 (30 years)
• Launches- 135
• Tasks-
1. Construction and supply of the ISS,
2. deployment, retrieval, and repair of satellites.

3. • Near-field deposition was created by the ground cloud sweeping across
the ground, vegetation, and water primarily to the north of the launch
pads. (Area- 221 Acre)
• Far-field deposition was a result of movement of the launch cloud with
prevailing meteorological conditions. (Area- 57142 Acre)
Near-field deposition Far-field deposition

4. Effects
• Increased level of Al, Fe and Zn in soil.
• Fish killed due to surface water acidification.
• Damage to exposed vegetation.
• In near field these effects on vegetaion lasts upto 6 months.
Example of vegetation impacted by near-field
exhaust deposition from a shuttle launch.
Shallow water (upto 0.5m) fish killed

5. Effects on Animals
• Species killed in this area:- armadillo, marsh rabbits, snowy egret, killdeer,
frogs, and alligators.
• Artificial lighting along the coastline of KSC impacts the behavior of both
nesting and the ability of hatchlings to find the sea from their nest, this is
termed "hatchling disorientation".
• In some cases, adult sea turtle nesters can become disoriented causing
them to unnecessarily wander landward, making them susceptible to
dehydration, predation, and vehicle encounters.

6. Actions
• Transition from a Government, program-focused, single-user launch and
landing complex to a more central capability, cost-effective, and multiuser
spaceport.
• Changes in the size and location between existing and proposed land uses
on the basis of different potential environmental impacts.
• KSC established the Ecological Program to monitor potential launch
impacts and develop management data and information for regulatory
compliance and natural resource management.