SPACEHAB Sees Opportunity in Space Florida’s Launch Complex
Astrotech Subsidiary is Prepared to Support New Era in Commercial Space Exploration
SPACEHAB, Incorporated (NASDAQ:SPAB), and its Astrotech subsidiary, leading providers of commercial space services, join with Space Florida in recognizing the immense opportunities for America’s commercial space program in the joint Air Force Space Command and Space Florida Dedication Ceremony of Launch Complex 36. The Ceremony marked the symbolic “groundbreaking” following the announcement by the Air Force Space Command of its commitment to commercial space and its intention to lease LC36 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Space Florida. The U.S. Air Force’s official “intent to lease” the site to Space Florida includes the build-out of the launch pad to support multiple-customers and multi-vehicle configurations for commercial, civil and military customers.
Astrotech, located in Titusville, Florida, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and the Sea Launch Home Port facilities in California has supported more than 30 launch operations at Launch Complex 36, and will bring more than two decades of spacecraft ground processing support services and expertise to the endeavor. Astrotech offers established infrastructure capabilities from its main site location in Titusville, Florida to the Launch Pad 36 facility. Astrotech’s extensive services in pre-launch operations, which have serviced over 250 spacecraft since 1984, include use of below Class 10,000 clean room facilities, spacecraft checkout, encapsulation, fueling, transport, and remote control through launch.
“Astrotech is ready and avidly supports this new era of space commercialization,” explains Ret. General Lance Lord, Astrotech Chief Executive Officer. “This collaboration will instigate vast opportunities in the civilian and military commercial space markets, and we are thrilled to bring our end-to-end mission assurance capabilities to this venture.”
Environmental assessments and the build-out of Pad A, which comprises the Launch Pad 36 facility, are presently scheduled for completion by fall 2010. Infrastructure development will be partially funded by a $14.5 Million appropriation by the 2008 Florida Legislature. The development of the Launch Pad Complex will further promote the growing commercial space industry and marketable possibilities of space exploration and research.
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.
About SPACEHAB, Incorporated
SPACEHAB is a commercial and entrepreneurial force in the space industry providing a full spectrum of products and services to both the government and private sectors. The Company offers spacecraft pre-launch processing facilities and services, production of valuable commercial products in space, development and extension of space-based products to the consumer market, space access and payload integration services program and engineering support ranging from development and manufacturing of flight hardware to large scale government project management.
The statements in this document may contain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, trends, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from the forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, continued government support and funding for key space programs, product performance and market acceptance of products and services, as well as other risk factors and business considerations described in the company’s Securities & Exchange Commission filings including the annual report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements in this document should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
SPACEHAB, Inc., Houston
Corporate Marketing and Communications
Tania Shupe, 713-558-5299
tshupe@spacehab.com
www.spacehab.com
