Tag: KSC
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Canaveral and KSC pads: New designs for space access
For the past several years, the historic launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, have undergone sweeping changes as the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program brought a new vision to the spaceport. Those changes have now spread across the lagoon to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where pad modifications are underway for…
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Available to Rent: One VAB High Bay, three Mobile Launcher Platforms
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is continuing its drive to attract new commercial partners by offering the use of a High Bay inside the famous Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Also on offer – via an announcement for proposals (AFP) under KSC’s multi-user spaceport brief – are the three former Shuttle Mobile Launch Platforms (MLPs). Multi-User…
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KSC continuing its spaceport transition for the new era
It’s been over three years since the world famous Kennedy Space Center (KSC) last felt the rumble of a launch from within its grounds. However, the spaceport hasn’t fallen completely silent, as a realignment of the center’s role continues apace, ahead of the new era of commercial and government launches that may ultimately result in humans…
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CT-2: Super Crawler taken for a test drive at KSC
Crawler Transporter -2 (CT-2) is enjoying a spin around the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) block, as engineers test the latest upgrades ahead of its role carrying the Space Launch System (SLS) to launch pad 39B. Both of NASA’s workhorses are being upgraded to the role of “Super Crawler”, with the ability to carry 14.2 million…
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Dream Chaser’s KSC vision enables 2016 debut
The highly anticipated confirmation that Dream Chaser will be taking up residency at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was finally made public this week, albeit with a few welcome surprises. The “baby orbiter” will be processed in the Operations & Checkout (O&C) building, ahead of a “committed” debut launch atop of an Atlas V rocket…
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SpaceX enter negotiations to breathe new life into Pad 39A
Launch Pad 39A – vacated since the end of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) – took a step towards welcoming new vehicles to its flame trench, following the NASA announcement confirming they have entered negotiations with SpaceX for the use of the famous launch complex. The path towards talks was cleared after the GAO denied…
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Morpheus set for KSC return ahead of December tests
Morpheus – an experimental lander project – is set to make its return to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), ahead of the resumption of testing in December. Morpheus – which has conducted numerous tether tests at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) – will be hoping for a happier Florida stay, after it dramatically exploded during a previous…
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EFT-1 Orion comes to life via first power up
The Exploration Flight Test -1 (EFT-1) Orion has been powered up for the first time ahead of its launch next summer. The test – conducted inside the Operations and Checkout (O&C) building at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) – successfully demonstrated the crew module avionics were integrated properly and are in good health. EFT-1 Orion: NASA’s…
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Mobile Launcher major modifications to begin for SLS
The former Ares I Mobile Launcher (ML) will soon begin major modification work – pending the status of the government shutdown – ahead of its role with the Space Launch System (SLS). Work will begin with the demolition of the launch mount, which was designed with Ares I in mind, ahead of the installation of an…
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Runway to Space – SLF takes a commercial step forward
The historic Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has taken another step forward in achieving its future goal of accommodating a range of commercial spacecraft. Although deals are yet to be completed, NASA and Space Florida have begun negotiations relating to a partnership agreement for the commercial operation of the runway.…