Boeing and the Spaceport Florida
Authority today announced plans to bring the X-37 reusable spaceplane
technology program to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport beginning in 2003.
Pending the finalization of agreements, Boeing plans to use the Spaceport
Authority’s infrastructure at Launch Complex 20, including a launch pad
for engine tests, a Horizontal Processing Facility for vehicle
processing, and a blockhouse control center.
“Boeing needed the best facilities at the lowest cost for X-37,
and the Spaceport Florida Authority has developed exactly what they
need,” said Governor Jeb Bush. “This confirms that Florida remains the
site of choice for next-generation space launch programs.”
Boeing is developing X-37 for NASA to demonstrate advanced space
transportation technologies aimed at reducing the cost of access to
space. X-37 is 27.5 feet long, with a 15-foot wingspan and total weight
of about six tons. The vehicle includes an experiment bay measuring
seven feet in length with a four foot diameter. NASA plans to launch the
X-37 atop an expendable rocket in 2004 from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport.
After operations in orbit, the unmanned craft would return to Earth for
re-use.
The Spaceport Authority was established by Florida’s governor and
legislature to support the retention, expansion and diversification of
the state’s space-related industry. Empowered as a transportation
authority, the Spaceport Authority financed, owns or operates several
launch support facilities at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport and elsewhere
in the state, including three launch complexes, a hangar for reusable
launch vehicles, a launch control center, a launch vehicle integration
facility, a rocket motor storage facility, and other multi-user
infrastructure.
