Governor Jeb Bush praised the decision of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) to utilize Florida’s Cape Canaveral Spaceport as the launch site for the company’s new Falcon commercial rocket. Slated to begin flying in 2004, the Falcon is being designed by SpaceX to launch satellites and research payloads weighing up to 1,000 pounds for less than one-third of the cost of existing launch vehicles.
The potential availability of the state-owned Launch Complex 46, plus the advanced permitting and launch safety processes put in place at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, were key factors in the company’s choice of Florida for its new launch business.
“This is an exciting announcement because it brings new space industry innovations to Florida,” said Governor Bush. “Visionary companies like SpaceX are shaping the space industry’s future and will be responsible for the development of new markets we can only begin to imagine. Florida has partnered with the Air Force and NASA to provide world-class facilities and ensure our state continues to be the leader in the development of space activities.”
“SpaceX is proud to offer an exceptional launch capability out of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport,” said Elon Musk, President and Founder of SpaceX.
“The all-American-built Falcon launch vehicle is a case of private sector innovation dramatically reducing the cost of access to space and is helping to restore U.S. competitiveness in the world launch market. Our agreement with Florida is the kind of innovative government support and partnership that is extremely helpful to the commercial operator. The possibility of using Launch Complex 46 would be a great fit for the Falcon. The support from the Florida Space Authority and the 45th Space Wing has been excellent.”
Lt. Governor Frank Brogan, chairman of the Florida Space Authority Board of Supervisors, noted, “Innovation and new investment is critical to Florida’s space future. The Authority is privileged to be part of bringing a new launch vehicle to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, and for expanding commercial space launch business in the state. We are pleased to add the Falcon to Florida’s family of commercial space transportation systems.”
The Florida Space Authority, Florida’s state government space agency, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, developed Launch Complex 46 as a dual-use launch facility. The facility was the first launch site in the nation developed by a state government agency and also the first to be capable of supporting a range of different vehicles from different companies.
The initiation of SpaceX Florida operations is also being supported by the Cape Canaveral Spaceport’s Planning and Customer Service Office (staffed jointly by the Air Force, NASA, and the Florida Space Authority) to coordinate requirements for safety, range services, facility utilization, and other support and the Florida Space Research Institute to obtain university support for Falcon spaceport, range, and launch vehicle technology requirements./p>
CONTACTS:
ELIZABETH HIRST
(850) 488-5394 or
DAVID BISHOP
(850) 487-2568 or
MARGO WITCHER
(321) 730-5301
SpaceX Website: www.spacex.com
