Space Florida OPF3

Space Florida/NASA partnership provides facility for Boeing spacecraft

Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, signed an agreement with NASA in October of 2011 allowing the agency to occupy, use and modify three of Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) facilities for up to 20 years. They include: the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility (C3PF), which was formerly Orbiter Processing Facility-3; the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility; and the Processing Control Center (PCC).

In spring of 2015, Boeing, one of NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) partners, became the tenant in C3PF, using the facility to construct and process its Crew Space Transportation System, or CST-100.  Boeing will also develop a nearby mission control center in the PCC that will be the hub of the company’s engineering operations.

This effort is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to facilitate the commercial development of safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Boeing plans to launch the CST-100 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41.

 “Partnering with Space Florida to enable commercial space operations at Kennedy will help NASA maintain facilities and assets while supporting our nation’s space objectives and expanding opportunities for the U.S. economy,” said Bob Cabana, Kennedy Center Director.

“This positions our state well for future growth and a leadership role in NASA’s next-generation human space exploration initiatives,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello.