I look forward to seeing how SpaceX re-configures the site - will they use the MLS?, the VAB etc.
Although that area can still be used to build a production facility for future large LV stages, which could be transported by boat to LC-39A
Quote from: Lars_J on 12/13/2013 10:00 pmAlthough that area can still be used to build a production facility for future large LV stages, which could be transported by boat to LC-39AI doubt they would do that. Wasn't the stated purpose of a potential future manufacturing facility at the Brownsville site so they could avoid the expense of transporting stages?
I wonder how this will affect the ambitions of SpaceX building a launch pad at Brownsville, TX. It will probably put that an on hold for now. (Although that area can still be used to build a production facility for future large LV stages, which could be transported by boat to LC-39A)I assume this also means that they will not bother converting LC-40 to support FH - there wouldn't be much point. And it will allow them to keep LC-40 open for business.Presumably the launches would be split this way:LC-39A: FH + F9 Dragon missionsLC-40: F9 Commercial missions
They aren't buying, they're leasing. You want NASA to keep it maintained? Up their budget.
Quote from: llanitedave on 12/14/2013 01:24 amThey aren't buying, they're leasing. You want NASA to keep it maintained? Up their budget.I am a very big supporter of Penny4NASA's mission statement ... so yes I'd up their budget to at least 1% of the total Federal Budget easily.
Nothing that launches from LC-39A or B should be anything but a NASA mission regardless of who gets to launch from it. This is the People's Spaceport not SpaceX's or Boeing's or SNC's or any other company's spaceport. If they want their own infrastructure let them build elsewhere.Also if this was the NFL ... the money would stop flowing to the leader in the race and shift to the laggards to make competition in the industry more viable ... NASA should be investing more in Blue Origin and SNC than they do in Boeing and SpaceX ... to level the playing field ...Also ... letting SpaceX buy LC-39A is like letting Wal Mart buy Interstate 90.
Also ... letting SpaceX buy LC-39A is like letting Wal Mart buy Interstate 90.