AIR FORCE ANNOUNCES COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH PROPOSAL WITH STATE OF FLORIDA
Friday, August 08, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Hill
P (321) 254-6282
F (321) 242-6280
AIR FORCE ANNOUNCES COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH PROPOSAL WITH STATE OF FLORIDA
Melbourne – Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) announced today a landmark agreement with the State of Florida making Space Launch Complex (SLC) 36 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station available for operational use by the State. SLC 36 will be rebuilt as a multi-use vertical launch complex making it much easier for commercial launch providers to launch from the U.S.
“This is like Christmas in August and exactly what I had in mind when I sponsored the Space Act (SB 2426) during the 2008 legislative session,” said Senator Posey, who has served on The Florida Space Authority, Spaceport Florida, and now Space Florida over the past decade, all the while trying to reduce the regulation and red tape which existed between government agencies and the private sector. “We were able to appropriate $14.5 million for launch complex infrastructure upgrades necessary to develop a commercial launch complex,” he continued.
“The proposal encourages, facilitates, and harnesses entrepreneurial space achievement. Enabling a dynamic, globally competitive commercial space sector is in line with national policy and is mutually beneficial to the Air Force and the State,” added AFSPC Commander, General C. Robert Kehler.
In addition to SB 2426, Senator Posey also sponsored Informed Consent legislation (SB 2438). This bill provides commercial human space flight businesses with limited liability due to the inherent risk of spaceflight launch activities, provided certain warning statement requirements are met.
“I knew the future full potential of our space center hinged upon the inclusion of commercial space flight operations. As such, it was imperative that we remove as many obstacles hindering commercial space flight as possible, while still protecting participants,” said Senator Posey.
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To read the Air Force Space Command Press Release, please click here.
AIR_FORCE_SPACE_COMMAND_Announcement_General_Helms.pdf
To read Space Florida’s Press Release, please click here.
LC_36_FINAL_08.07.08.pdf
