Quote from: Lar on 10/19/2018 01:47 amIf the unassembled parts are coming in via container, why locate next to the airfield? Too hard to build something near the pad?Maybe rent is cheaper out at the airfield? Presumably it's also less hassle to assemble the parts near the airfield and then ship completed rockets to the pad in one piece rather than stockpile stuff at the pad where it would only get in the way come 'business time'.
If the unassembled parts are coming in via container, why locate next to the airfield? Too hard to build something near the pad?
And also rather pragmatically, there's business park associated with WFF who's development started a couple years ago so all of the infrastructure is already in place, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were able to get some local incentives as well. And while it's 10 miles, that's a pretty rural area so transporting over road from mainland to island shouldn't cause that much of a commotion. https://www.co.accomack.va.us/businesses/wallops-research-park-information
I'm watching this video (https://www.wmdt.com/2018/10/wallops-flight-facility-becomes-first-us-launch-site-for-rocket-lab/) and the ground breaking ceremony definitely took place in the area that I circled. I can 100% confirm that given the video. Now the question becomes is that were they are actually going to build the pad? Can't say for sure, but seems likely enough.
Quote from: block51 on 10/19/2018 08:25 pmI'm watching this video (https://www.wmdt.com/2018/10/wallops-flight-facility-becomes-first-us-launch-site-for-rocket-lab/) and the ground breaking ceremony definitely took place in the area that I circled. I can 100% confirm that given the video. Now the question becomes is that were they are actually going to build the pad? Can't say for sure, but seems likely enough.So... that basically means the end of Antares? I know it was probably coming based on NGIS lack of interest in it, but this seems like a stealthy way to reveal it by Wallops. I don't see how both launch pads could co-exist that close to each other.
Quote from: Lars-J on 10/19/2018 08:32 pmQuote from: block51 on 10/19/2018 08:25 pmI'm watching this video (https://www.wmdt.com/2018/10/wallops-flight-facility-becomes-first-us-launch-site-for-rocket-lab/) and the ground breaking ceremony definitely took place in the area that I circled. I can 100% confirm that given the video. Now the question becomes is that were they are actually going to build the pad? Can't say for sure, but seems likely enough.So... that basically means the end of Antares? I know it was probably coming based on NGIS lack of interest in it, but this seems like a stealthy way to reveal it by Wallops. I don't see how both launch pads could co-exist that close to each other.No reason they couldn't. Rocket Labs' NZ launch pad is fairly tiny. LC-39C sits inside of LC-39B's fence at KSC the same way.My guess is this has to do with the Environmental Impact Statement. The EIS probably only covers very specific places, so unless they want to wait 18-24 months for a new one, then they have to work with what they have.
Later this year Electron will lift off from this very spot - Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia! Construction is underway on the pad, plus the Integration and Control Facility which will support the simultaneous integration of multiple Electrons!
The strongback for Launch Complex 2 in Wallops Island, Virginia is coming along nicely. We can’t wait to watch Electron lift off from LC-2 later this year.
So what should this pad be called within Wallops' existing pad numbering system? There's already an old LC-2 there (the Scout pad IIRC).Maybe "LC-0A-2" since it shares infrastructure with Antares' pad?
Shane Fleming, Rocket Lab: we expect to have our LC-2 launch site at Wallops operations at the end of this year for a dedicated US government mission. #SpaceTechExpo
Fantastic progress by the team at LC2! It’s starting to look like a launch pad with the LOX tank in place.
Aside from the water tower which might or might not be part of their facility, can anyone explain exactly what we're looking at here? Or is it a bit too early in construction to tell?