April 15, 2014

Image Caption: Launch of the final Saturn IB rocket from Pad 39B on July 15, 1975 carrying the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project Command Module into orbit. Credit: NASA

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ NASA Kennedy Space Centers historic Launch Complex 39A, the site from which numerous Apollo and space shuttle missions began, is beginning a new mission as a commercial launch site.

NASA signed a property agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., on Monday for use and occupancy of the seaside complex along Floridas central east coast. It will serve as a platform for SpaceX to support their commercial launch activities.

Its exciting that this storied NASA launch pad is opening a new chapter for space exploration and the commercial aerospace industry, said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. While SpaceX will use pad 39A at Kennedy, about a mile away on pad 39B, were preparing for our deep space missions to an asteroid and eventually Mars. The parallel pads at Kennedy perfectly exemplify NASAs parallel path for human spaceflight exploration U.S. commercial companies providing access to low-Earth orbit and NASA deep space exploration missions at the same time.

Under a 20-year agreement, SpaceX will operate and maintain the facility at its own expense.

SpaceX is the worlds fastest growing launch services provider, said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. With nearly 50 missions on manifest, SpaceX will maximize the use of pad 39A to the benefit of both the commercial launch industry as well as the American taxpayer.

The reuse of pad 39A is part of NASAs work to transform the Kennedy Space Center into a 21st century launch complex capable of supporting both government and commercial users. At the same time, NASA and Lockheed Martin are assembling the agencys first Orion spacecraft in the Operations and Checkout building while preparing Kennedys infrastructure for the Space Launch System rocket, which will lift off from the centers Launch Complex 39B and send American astronauts into deep space, including to an asteroid and eventually Mars.

Kennedy Space Center is excited to welcome SpaceX to our growing list of partners, Center Director Bob Cabana said. As we continue to reconfigure and repurpose these tremendous facilities, it is gratifying to see our plan for a multi-user spaceport shared by government and commercial partners coming to fruition.

Launch Complex 39A originally was designed to support NASAs Apollo Program and later modified to support the Space Shuttle Program. Because of the transition from the shuttle program to NASAs Space Launch System and Orion programs, the agency does not have a need for the complex to support future missions.

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NASA Signs Agreement With SpaceX For Use Of Historic Launch Pad