Source: Florida Today
While the Obama Administration’s plans to upgrade Kennedy Space Center mean more space business down the road, the multi-billion dollar stimulus could create jobs and boost the Space Coast economy before the first next-generation rocket launches.
Though the administration and Congress are at odds over the president’s space budget, the proposed expenditure of $1.9 billion to modernize KSC over the next five years could create up to 1,000 construction jobs, according to some in the industry, while transforming the center into a modern spaceport ready for either the next generation NASA rocket or commercial or private spacecraft.
If that budget is approved, KSC managers are preparing to spend $429 million — the first year’s allocation — to upgrade infrastructure at the center possibly starting as soon as 2011.
NASA sent out a Request for Information early this month, asking for suggestions that KSC could implement to help commercial launch companies set up operations there. The request was sent to NASA vendors and published on the Internet.
Questions centered on learning what launch companies need at KSC, asking for example whether there are “primary capabilities” that are not available at or near the center or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station or that might require modernization to attract commercial providers.
“This is us asking for information from industry,” NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said, who added that other questions included, ” ‘What are the range safety capabilities that need to be addressed in order to achieve a commercial launch environment? What are the barriers to bringing your business to the Florida launch range?’ “
Companies have 30 days to respond.
Even before the RFI, NASA has announced changes. At an Industry Day in March, officials unveiled relaxed rules for bringing private industries to KSC after the shuttle stops flying.
“We’re targeting commercial companies,” Beutel said. “It’s a way for us to get more information to help us better formulate the things we need to change to make KSC the most viable option for commercial companies to use our facilities.”
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