posted 06-13-2007 02:26 PM               

Launch Towers at Complex 36 to be Toppled June 16

More than 3,600 tons of steel will crash to the surface at Space Launch Complex 36 on Saturday, June 16 when the old mobile service towers there are toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site.

Approximately 550 pounds of dynamite strapped to the base of each tower will be detonated about two minutes apart between 10 and 11 a.m. to knock the 209-foot-tall towers down. "A majority of the steel will be recycled," said project officer Jonathan Vanho of the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron. The steel that can't be recycled will be taken to the landfill at Cape Canaveral AFS.

Complex 36 was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and it was operated under NASA's sponsorship from the program's inception until the late 1980s. The site was built and occupied as a single launch pad complex in February 1961 and a second pad was built between February 1963 and July 1964. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor, Mariner, Pioneer and Intelsat.

In 1989, NASA transferred Complex 36 to the Air Force and General Dynamics for military and commercial space operations. The site was modified to handle Atlas II/Centaur missions. The first commercial Atlas II/Centaur was launched from Pad 36B Dec. 7, 1991. The first military Atlas II/Centaur was launched from Pad 36A Feb. 11, 1992. The last launch from the complex was an Atlas IIIB carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Pad 36B on Feb. 3, 2005. In all, there were 68 major launches from Pad 36A and 77 from Pad 36B.

"Over nearly five decades, Complex 36 was one of the world's most important and versatile space launch sites. Its credits include a whole catalog of NASA missions to the moon, Venus, Mars and Jupiter -- not to mention vital military and commercial communications satellite missions," said Mark Cleary, 45th Space Wing historian.

posted 06-16-2007 11:44 AM               

Pad B at 9:59am EDT

Pad A at 10:11am EDT

posted 06-17-2007 09:00 AM               

The towers were taken down to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern, said Kevin Hooper, project manager with the 45th Space Wing's civil engineering.

"We have to take the structures down before nature takes them down," he said.

posted 06-17-2007 10:31 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rob Joyner:
Why was the complex destroyed?

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posted 08-07-2008 08:15 PM               

U.S. Air Force to license Launch Complex 36 to Space Florida

State to provide multi-use vertical launch complex for commercial users at Cape Canaveral

A landmark announcement by the U.S. Air Force and the state of Florida today will fundamentally expand the state's position and prominence in aerospace and the space industry in all three key sectors: civil, military and commercial, broadening participation in space-related activities.

Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, subject to completion of the environmental impact analysis process, will be re-built as a multi-use vertical launch complex capable of supporting several launch vehicle configurations ranging from light to medium-lift into low-Earth orbit and beyond.

"Florida has a great legacy in aerospace, a great foundation to build on, and that is one more reason we are so committed to expanding our capability to launch from Florida and from the United States," Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp said. "We have worked closely with the Air Force over the past several months and look forward to a strong, long-term relationship as we build these safe commercial launch processes together."

"The Air Force assignment of Launch Complex 36, is an important next step to extending access to space, making it available to defense and security initiatives and multiple commercial payload and launch activities for both civil and private space businesses that wish to launch from Florida," said Steve Kohler, president of Space Florida.

"The Florida legislature demonstrated tremendous foresight when it appropriated initial funding of $14.5 million for FY 2009. This funding will help Space Florida begin the launch complex infrastructure design and construction necessary to develop a true commercial multi-use launch complex. This direction by the Air Force, together with the tremendous support by the state, opens the door to attracting, supporting and sustaining national and international aerospace business here in Florida," Kohler said.

"One of Space Florida's next objectives is to establish a Commercial Launch Zone (CLZ) for commercial customers wishing to operate from the Eastern Range. The creation of a CLZ expands our ability to support commercial payload launch services, re-supply missions to the International Space Station, and aggressively diversify aerospace business development rapidly and efficiently," Kohler said.

In addition to supporting a greater number of launch customers, the CLZ may attract other segments of the aerospace industry necessary to support flight operations that will benefit the entire state of Florida.

"The assignment of Launch Complex 36 will be an important milestone and part of a broader strategy to establish a CLZ at the Cape" added Kohler. "The Commercial Launch Zone is intended to enable space industry located at the Cape and in Florida to be more competitive in the global economy."

Launch Complex 36 was opened for business by NASA in 1961 and was most recently used as a military and commercial Atlas launch site. U.S. Surveyor, Mariner and Pioneer missions to the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and other destinations were launched from this complex, followed in later years by weather satellites, military space assets and commercial satellite missions.

The final rockets launched from Launch Complex 36 in 2004, and the Air Force shut down the complex.

posted 10-23-2008 10:58 AM               

Governor Crist, Space Florida and 45th Space Wing Host Launch Complex 36 Dedication

Today, Governor Charlie Crist, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and Space Florida President Steve Kohler were joined by Lt. General William Shelton, commander of the 14th Air Force, and Brigadier General Susan Helms, commander of Cape Canaveral's 45th Space Wing, to host an official dedication ceremony for Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

This event marks the U.S. Air Force's official "intent to lease" the site to Space Florida for build out of a launch pad that can accommodate light-to-medium lift vertical launches that support commercial, civil and military capabilities.

Addressing federal, state and local legislators, along with key aerospace leaders, Governor Crist stated, "Florida remains committed to the future legacy of space exploration and technology development. The aerospace economic cluster will create new jobs and benefit related sectors such as biotechnology and environmentally-friendly energy solutions vital to Florida's future."

More than 200 guests were in attendance at today's ceremony, including federal, state and local legislators.

"We are witnessing the dawn of a new era in commercial space exploration here in Florida," noted Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp. "Under the leadership of General Helms, the Air Force's commitment to commercial space allows the State of Florida to maximize research capabilities and commercialization possibilities of the International Space Station National Laboratory."

Steve Kohler, Space Florida President noted, "We are working with a number of commercial launch and payload customers right now that have expressed great interest in leveraging the 50 years of experience Florida has invested in space. From a strategic perspective, the build out of LC-36 is one activity in a broad array of actions to create and develop a Commercial Launch Zone, which is fundamental in establishing an effective, globally competitive economic environment for Florida and for the United States."

Environmental assessments will be initiated in Fall 2008, followed by the build out of Pad A, which is scheduled for completion by Fall 2010. Infrastructure development will be partially funded by a $14.5 Million appropriation by the 2008 Florida Legislature.

About Space Florida:

Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive - and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.

posted 10-23-2008 11:02 AM               

Launch complex now available for civil, commercial launches

Officials with the Air Force and Space Florida made history during a dedication ceremony held here Oct. 22 when Space Launch Complex 36 officially was made available for operational use by the State of Florida, subject to completion of the environmental impact analysis.

Attending the historic ceremony were Florida Governor Charlie Crist; Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp; Space Florida President Steve Kohler; Lt. Gen. William Shelton, 14th Air Force commander; and Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th Space Wing commander.

General Shelton said Air Force leaders supported the initiative because it will make it easier for commercial providers to launch from the U.S. Having domestic launch options provides the U.S. with solid foundation for national security.

"This is a great partnership that is mutually beneficial to both the Air Force and the state," he said. "We take great pride in helping foster the success of the commercial space sector; I'm confident the spirit of innovation and the cooperation that made this a reality will continue in the years ahead."

Governor Crist also had positive things to say about the agreement.

"Florida has always been home to big ideas. The entrepreneurial spirit is woven into the DNA of Florida's economy," the governor said. "And thanks to the Air Force's decision, the door is now open to innovation and space opportunities never seen before. In tough economic times, it is important we do not sit idly by, but that we invest in economic opportunities for the future.

"What a tremendous opportunity to ensure that space exploration is a top priority and that the U.S. remains a leader right here from Florida," he said.

According to Space Florida officials, the reconfiguration of Launch Complex 36 will strengthen not only the state's aerospace industry but other growing economic sectors such as biotechnology and environmentally friendly energy technology vital to Florida's future. The launch complex will support light- to medium-lift vehicles that go into low-Earth orbit and beyond.

Space Florida's president sees this ground-breaking ceremony as a great beginning, both literally and figuratively.

"The Air Force assignment of Launch Complex 36 is an important next step to extending access to space," said Steve Kohler, Space Florida president.

"We are now making that available to both defense and security initiatives," he said, "with multiple commercial payloads and launch activities for both civil and private space businesses that want to launch from Florida. This direction by the Air Force, together with the tremendous support by the state, opens the door to attracting, supporting and sustaining national and international aerospace business here in Florida."

This effort also is in line with the mission of the 45th SW, according to General Helms.

"Our primary mission here is to assure access to the high frontier," she said. "This proposal better enables us to execute that mission. It's the ultimate 'win-win' situation for both the Air Force and the State of Florida."

NASA opened Launch Complex 36 in 1961, and most recently it was used as a military and commercial Atlas launch site. Missions to the moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn launched from the site, as well as weather satellites and commercial satellites. The Air Force shut down the complex in 2004.

posted 03-13-2010 11:44 AM               

Air Force licenses two launch complexes for commercial use

The 45th Space Wing has issued Real Property Licenses to Space Florida for Space Launch Complexes 46 and 36 here to attract the nation's next generation of spacelift customers.

As a result, the 45th Space Wing now grants Space Florida full rights to proceed with construction and refurbishment work at either launch location.

"These licenses are in line with the 45th Space Wing's mission, assuring access to the high frontier," said Col. Ed Wilson, 45th Space Wing commander. "This will help us to better execute that mission. It's a win-win-win for the Air Force, the state of Florida, and the nation."

"Within the past year, we have been working diligently with the 45th Space Wing and the Navy to secure full rights to these complexes," said Mark Bontrager, vice president of Space Florida's Spaceport Operations. "Through a mutual trust with both entities, we can now fully pursue build-out of these sites for commercial use. This will help to open up additional opportunities for Florida to take full advantage of the rapidly emerging commercial space marketplace. Having additional domestic launch sites ready for commercial utilization will also ensure the U.S. remains competitive from a global perspective."

Now that Real Property Licenses are secured for both sites, Space Florida said it will work with the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct all necessary due diligence required to secure a Launch Site Operators License for each complex.

This process is anticipated to take approximately 180 days. During this timeframe, the Air Force Safety Center and the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board will also review an Explosive Site Plan for SLC-36.

Space Florida has conducted corrosion control and maintenance efforts on the Mobile Service Tower at SLC-46, and preliminary engineering studies show that further refurbishment of SLC-46 is needed to ready it for full commercial launch operations. With the Real Property License fully secured, Space Florida can now utilize its resources - including a special $1.1 million appropriation by Senator Bill Nelson through NASA - to prepare the site for an interested launch customer, whose identity is currently protected under Non-Disclosure Agreement.

In December 2009, a Joint Use Agreement was signed between the Navy and Space Florida to grant full utilization of the site by either party, as needed. There is no anticipated naval use for the site at this time.

The last active use of SLC-46 was in 1999 when RocSat 1 was launched on an Athena I for the Republic of China. The last recorded launch at SLC-36 was in February 2005, when an Atlas IIIB launched a classified NRO payload from pad 36B.