Some 200 acres of Kennedy Space Center land could soon go "commercial," pending a proposed NASA plan allowing private companies to build private launch pads.
"We at NASA are in the launch business here at Kennedy, so it makes sense," said Allard Beutel, a NASA Public Affairs spokesperson.
If you build it, they will launch. Two new pads out at the Kennedy Space Center, with land and infrastructure sponsored by NASA.
Private companies would build their rockets and take care of their payloads. Then, it would be all systems go.
"Gives more opportunities for NASA, options to do our missions, and open up the commercial industry to be able to do additional aerospace activity," Beutel said.
The 2003 Columbia tragedy essentially changed NASA's mission. It meant the shuttle fleet, which was scheduled to retire in 2020, would now not be adequate for its new objectives.
The new plan: Explore the solar system. A shuttle has to stay in orbit, so new spacecraft are needed.
NASA said an affordable way to do so is piggybacking on private companies' interests, and at the same time, plug a job gap for those needing work once the shuttle fleet is mothballed.
"It opens up commercial areas that don't exist now, and new jobs for Brevard County," Beutel said.
Several other factors included the environmental impact to the wetlands, wildlife, plants and protected species, traffic and utilities, and hunting, fishing and beach access.
NASA hoped a series of upcoming public meetings would garner support. If not, it might be back to the drawing board.
The first public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25, at Titusville City Hall.
More information on the entire study on the commerial launch idea, including NASA's official description of the project, is available on the KSC Environmental Program Branch Web site.
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