KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Today, a conduit financing package was approved by the Space Florida Board of Directors to reassign the lease for Launch Complex 41 (LC-41) to United Launch Alliance (ULA). The renovation and upgrade of the launch complex infrastructure was originally funded by the State of Florida, through Space Florida’s legacy organization Florida Space Authority, and completed for use by Lockheed Martin. In 2005, Lockheed and Boeing formed ULA, a joint venture that operates government space launch systems, including the Atlas V rockets that currently launch from LC-41. Through this conduit financing agreement, the lease will be transferred to ULA, and the Atlas V mission will continue to utilize Complex 41 to provide reliable launch services on its Atlas V in support of the Air Force and NASA. ULA employs approximately 700 people in the Cape area.

“The space industry is critical to Florida’s economy and benefits the well-being of all the people of Florida,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Today’s announcement demonstrates Florida’s ability to rapidly address the needs of our business partners and their workforce to ensure the continued economic health of our state.”

The lease has multiple renewal periods built in, enabling utilization of the property under the current agreement until 2021.

“One of our key priorities is to develop and execute programs designed to retain and expand space industry business in Florida, while maintaining the critical workforce and their skill sets required for the state’s next-generation space programs,” noted Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, who serves as Space Florida Co-Chairman of the Board. “A business deal of this significance demonstrates Space Florida’s capability to leverage finance and tax benefits when conducting business with customers that will ensure the maintenance and robust growth of the aerospace industry in Florida.”

“Through our enabling legislation, the State has empowered Space Florida with a number of tools that provide distinct benefits to space industry initiatives and spawn tomorrow’s space industry economy throughout Florida,” said Space Florida Interim President Frank DiBello. “Space Florida’s strong working relationships with companies such as ULA and Lockheed Martin help ensure the continued success of the Atlas rocket launches from Florida.”

About United Launch Alliance (ULA): ULA is a joint venture owned by Lockheed Martin and Boeing. It was created to provide reliable, cost-efficient spacecraft launch services for the U.S. government. ULA offers U.S. government launch customers a wide variety of launch vehicle and payload accommodation options. U.S. government launch customers include the Department of Defense, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office and other organizations.

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. www.spaceflorida.gov

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Contact:
Tina Lange, APR
Director, Mktg. Communications
321-474-2654
tlange@spaceflorida.gov

Deb Spicer
VP, Communications & Gov’t Affairs
321-848-3165
dspicer@spaceflorida.gov