FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation Approves Consolidation of Space Florida’s Launch Site Operators License
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (February 17, 2009) – Space Florida’s efforts to secure licenses for two launch sites has been significantly streamlined by quick approval by the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation of Space Florida’s request to consolidate FAA Launch Site Operator license applications.
Space Florida President Steve Kohler made the request January 27 to consolidate licenses for Space Launch Complex-46 (SLC-46) as well Space Launch Complex-36 (SLC-36) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) as part of the proposed Commercial Launch Zone (CLZ). The FAA approved the request last week.
“This is another positive step in rapidly securing commercial launch readiness for our customers seeking launch capability at the commercial Cape Spaceport,” Kohler said. “Space Florida’s aggressive pursuit to consolidate launch related approvals and processes speeds time to market for our customers, is cost efficient in terms of reducing duplicative efforts and facilitates future FAA licensing. Since the CLZ strategy includes multiple launch sites, serving multiple vehicles, and a broad array of launch-related industries from architectural and engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and payload, the ability to secure and retain high-wage, high-technology jobs in Florida is strengthened.”
The CLZ concept is an innovative strategy intended to attract a multitude of commercial space launch interests and users to a multidimensional launch zone capable of accommodating a broad spectrum of launch activities and user requirements. The CLZ will offer commercial customers multiuse launch pads, shared range infrastructure and instrumentation, facilities, technical expertise, financial incentives and numerous other benefits. Critical to Space Florida’s launch and launch site safety, operational readiness and marketability is the FAA Launch Site Operator License.
Space Florida is already engaged in the FAA licensing process with a Launch Site Operator license application for SLC-46. Currently Space Florida is seeking approval on the Explosive Site Plan for SLC-46, a Joint Use Agreement with the Naval Ordnance Test Unit, and a Real Property License from the 45th Space Wing. Considerable efforts have been achieved in establishing cooperative and supportive relationships with the DoD, Navy, NASA and the Air Force. The FAA approved Space Florida consolidating the license request for SLC-36 into the SLC-46 request, which already has substantial work completed.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.
