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NASA Announcement of New Agreement for KSC Facilities - Oct 31, 2011 by Chris Bergin on 28 Oct, 2011 18:09
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MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-224
NASA TO ANNOUNCE NEW AGREEMENT FOR KENNEDY FACILITIES MONDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Journalists are invited to attend a major
announcement of a new partnership between NASA's Kennedy Space Center
in Florida and an outside organization that open NASA's facilities to
U.S. commercial space launch service providers, create jobs and help
American companies regain leadership in the global space economy. The
announcement will take place on Monday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. EDT at
NASA Kennedy's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 and will be carried live
on NASA television.
The new partnership was developed following a Notice of Availability
NASA issued in January. The notice was used to identify interest from
industry for space processing and support facilities at Kennedy.
These facilities have become available for space-related commercial
use following the end of the Space Shuttle Program.
Journalists must arrive at Kennedy's Press Site by 9 a.m. for
transportation to the event. Journalists without NASA Kennedy
accreditation need to apply for credentials by 10 a.m. Oct 30. New
international media accreditation for this event is closed. Reporters
must apply for credentials online at:
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#1 by Space Pete on 28 Oct, 2011 18:11
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Dream Chaser for OPF-3?
Florida Today reported earlier this week that this will be Boeing/CST-100 for OPF-3. -
#2 by Chris Bergin on 28 Oct, 2011 18:12
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But I demand baby orbiters!! Sort it out Pete
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#3 by Rocket Science on 28 Oct, 2011 18:36
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“Baby Orbiters” will be going in OPF-1
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#4 by Cherokee43v6 on 28 Oct, 2011 19:00
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“Baby Orbiters” will be going in OPF-1
Would that be the Neo-Orbital Care Unit? :p
(sorry, like 'Herd shot round the world' I could not resist) -
#5 by Chris Bergin on 28 Oct, 2011 19:22
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Hehe!
What's not to love about this (from a L2 presentation - small screenshot to deter the leechers):
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#6 by rcoppola on 28 Oct, 2011 20:25
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OK, just so I can get a global sense of this?
For vehicles we have:
Dragon
Dreamchaser
Boeing CST 100
(I'm not including Blue Origin, since I don't think they will be picked up in the downselect and they did not show up at the latest hearing. That just bugged me)
Am I to assume each of these do and/or will have Orbital Processing Facilities at KSC? How will they handle the proprietary nature of each design? Since each of these are private companies with millions of capital investment in each vehicle. I am not familiar with the location of each OPF, so please pardon if this is a less then sensical question. -
#7 by Space Pete on 28 Oct, 2011 20:52
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Reuters confirms this will be Boeing.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/28/science-us-space-boeing-idUKTRE79R5J920111028 -
#8 by Jim on 28 Oct, 2011 21:56
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OK, just so I can get a global sense of this?
For vehicles we have:
Dragon
Dreamchaser
Boeing CST 100
(I'm not including Blue Origin, since I don't think they will be picked up in the downselect and they did not show up at the latest hearing. That just bugged me)
Am I to assume each of these do and/or will have Orbital Processing Facilities at KSC? How will they handle the proprietary nature of each design? Since each of these are private companies with millions of capital investment in each vehicle. I am not familiar with the location of each OPF, so please pardon if this is a less then sensical question.
Orbiter (as in shuttle) Proccessing Facility. There are only three of these built for the shuttle program for preparing Orbiter, which no longer need them. For standard spacecraft, the generic term is Payload Processing Facility, there are many of them at KSC, CCAFS, Port Canaverl and Astrotech.
Spacex has their own, Orion has MPPF, the others could use one of the various or use a repurposed OPF. -
#9 by Prober on 28 Oct, 2011 22:03
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But I demand baby orbiters!! Sort it out Pete
Yes, we want wings -
#10 by iamlucky13 on 28 Oct, 2011 23:09
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Hehe!
What's not to love about this (from a L2 presentation - small screenshot to deter the leechers):
That looks very tall...is that supposed to be an OPF or the VAB?
@ rcoppola - see here for basics on the OPF's:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiter_Processing_Facility
Or see them to the left of the Vehicle Assembly Building here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=28.585803,-80.654991&ll=28.585549,-80.652405&spn=0.003806,0.008036&t=h&z=17&vpsrc=6 -
#11 by robertross on 29 Oct, 2011 01:46
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Reuters confirms this will be Boeing.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/28/science-us-space-boeing-idUKTRE79R5J920111028
That one didn't work for me, but this one did:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/28/space-boeing-idUKN1E79R19R20111028 -
#12 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 13:20
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RELEASE: 11-349
NASA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE FLORIDA TO REUSE KENNEDY FACILITIES
Boeing to Build Commercial Spacecraft at Kennedy, Create 550 Jobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In an innovative agreement that will create
new jobs, NASA today announced a partnership with Space Florida to
exclusively occupy, use and modify Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter
Processing Facility-3, the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing
Facility and Processing Control Center.
"The next era of space exploration won't wait, and so we can't wait
for Congress to do its job and give our space program the funding it
needs. That's why my Administration will be pressing forward, in
partnership with Space Florida and the private sector, to create jobs
and make sure America continues to lead the world in exploration and
discovery," President Barack Obama said.
Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the state
of Florida, is leasing the Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the
Boeing Company to manufacture and test the company's Crew Space
Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft, creating up to 550 jobs along
the Space Coast. The 15-year use permit deal is the latest step
Kennedy is making as the center transitions from a historically
government-only launch complex to a multi-user spaceport.
"Neither NASA nor the Space Coast can afford to stand still. We must
be aggressive in pursuing this next generation of space exploration
-- and the jobs and innovation that will accompany it," NASA
Administrator Charles Bolden said.
"Kennedy continues working to bring new commercial space activities to
the center," said Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. "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."
In addition to the agreement Boeing is signing with Space Florida to
reuse existing KSC facilities, the aerospace company announced it is
locating it Commercial Crew Program headquarters at the center.
"We are extremely pleased that Boeing will locate its commercial crew
headquarters here in Florida," said Frank DiBello, president of Space
Florida. "This positions our state well for future growth and a
leadership role in NASA's next-generation human space exploration
initiatives. It is also a key factor in ensuring Florida's
space-related economy continues to thrive."
The goal of NASA's Commercial Crew Program is to facilitate the
development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability
by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the
International Space Station and future low Earth orbit destinations.
"We selected Florida for the commercial crew headquarters because of
its close proximity to not only our NASA customer at Kennedy Space
Center, but also because of outstanding facilities and an experienced
space workforce," said John Elbon, vice president and program manager
of Boeing's Commercial Crew Programs.
Boeing is developing the CST-100, a reusable capsule-shaped spacecraft
that will consist of a crew module and service module for
transporting up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo
to space.
For information about Space Florida, visit:
http://www.spaceflorida.gov
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#13 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 13:46
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Anyone know what facility was used before OPF-3 and the SSME refurb facility were built?
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#14 by DaveS on 31 Oct, 2011 13:55
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Anyone know what facility was used before OPF-3 and the SSME refurb facility were built?
OPF-3 was originally built in 1986 as the Orbiter Maintenance and Refurbishment Facility(OMRF). It wasn't until the Air Force decided to back out of the Shuttle program that just about everything that was usable was put on a barge and shipped to KSC.
The various equipment and support equipment used in the Vandenberg Orbiter Maintenance and Checkout Facility(OMCF) was used to upgrade the OMRF to a fully equipped and capable OPF.
SSME processing and refurb work originally occurred in the VAB.
Attached a view of Columbia in the OMRF during the downtime after the Challenger accident.
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#15 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 13:55
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View from the presser.
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#16 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 13:58
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Anyone know what facility was used before OPF-3 and the SSME refurb facility were built?
OPF-3 was originally built in 1986 as the Orbiter Maintenance and Refurbishment Facility(OMRF). It wasn't until the Air Force decided to back out of the Shuttle program that just about everything that was usable was put on a barge and shipped to KSC.
The various equipment and support equipment used in the Vandenberg Orbiter Maintenance and Checkout Facility(OMCF) was used to upgrade the OMRF to a fully equipped and capable OPF.
SSME processing and refurb work originally occurred in the VAB.
Attached a view of Columbia in the OMRF during the downtime after the Challenger accident.
Thanks Dave! -
#17 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 13:58
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Senator Nelson gave SLS a big mention, and ended with "the dream is alive".
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#18 by DaveS on 31 Oct, 2011 14:00
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Updated the post with a view of Columbia in the OMRF. As you can see, it had none of scaffolding and workplatforms that OPF-1/2 has.Anyone know what facility was used before OPF-3 and the SSME refurb facility were built?
OPF-3 was originally built in 1986 as the Orbiter Maintenance and Refurbishment Facility(OMRF). It wasn't until the Air Force decided to back out of the Shuttle program that just about everything that was usable was put on a barge and shipped to KSC.
The various equipment and support equipment used in the Vandenberg Orbiter Maintenance and Checkout Facility(OMCF) was used to upgrade the OMRF to a fully equipped and capable OPF.
SSME processing and refurb work originally occurred in the VAB.
Attached a view of Columbia in the OMRF during the downtime after the Challenger accident.
Thanks Dave! -
#19 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 14:00
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Space Florida head notes how OPF-3 is empty and how she was last in there with an orbiter above her head.
(Does seem sad to see the empty OPF).
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#20 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 14:01
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"Goosebumps being where the Space Shuttle used to be".
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#21 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 14:06
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#22 by Chris Bergin on 31 Oct, 2011 15:29
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My article on this:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/10/boeings-cst-100-opf-3-nasa-agreement-space-florida/
Will set up a specific thread in the commercial section, where I'll also eventually move this thread. -
#23 by Space Pete on 31 Oct, 2011 18:54
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Administrator Bolden blogs about this:
http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/bolden/posts/post_1320073557587.html -
#24 by Ronsmytheiii on 31 Oct, 2011 19:02
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Robert Pearlman posted a video overview of the expected layout:
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#25 by Namechange User on 31 Oct, 2011 19:03
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Administrator Bolden blogs about this:
http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/bolden/posts/post_1320073557587.html
Somehow, I don't see General Bolden "blogging" about anything. I also expect this was written by someone else after being issued "talking points" from the Administration and the President's re-election campaign. All my opinion of course...... -
#26 by Rocket Science on 31 Oct, 2011 19:10
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I do find it curious that NASA needs to quote SpaceX’s testimony for funding dollar amount….Does that somehow make it more meaningful…
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#27 by A_M_Swallow on 31 Oct, 2011 19:47
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I do find it curious that NASA needs to quote SpaceX’s testimony for funding dollar amount….Does that somehow make it more meaningful…
NASA showing the difference between the method of funding on COTS + CCDev (shared) against Constellation (government only).
NASA is also showing that the cost sharing was genuine. -
#28 by Space Pete on 31 Oct, 2011 21:41
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New NASA Deal: A Boost For Space Coast Facility
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#29 by Rocket Science on 31 Oct, 2011 21:48
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Yup, I get that… It seems that they are sensitive to the fact that some don’t have faith or believe in what “they” say… Therefore they have to quote others…I do find it curious that NASA needs to quote SpaceX’s testimony for funding dollar amount….Does that somehow make it more meaningful…
NASA showing the difference between the method of funding on COTS + CCDev (shared) against Constellation (government only).
NASA is also showing that the cost sharing was genuine.
Robert
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#30 by ugordan on 31 Oct, 2011 22:00
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It seems that they are sensitive to the fact that some don’t have faith or believe in what “they” say…
In all honesty, you don't have to look hard to find those "some" so why should this approach be surprising? All the more since that kind of funding information would probably be company proprietary data, which NASA wouldn't want to release publicly by itself.
I guess there's no satisfying everyone. Some complain it's all just fluff, empty words and PR and then when some actual number is provided, it's still the wrong thing to do. -
#31 by Rocket Science on 31 Oct, 2011 22:23
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Perhaps I’m just not making my point well enough. Having seen NASA from its early days, there was a time when NASA image was “golden”. It literally was the “last word” in anything it did or had to say period. I’m sure some on here recall those times… That NASA never needed to bolster its creds…It seems that they are sensitive to the fact that some don’t have faith or believe in what “they” say…
In all honesty, you don't have to look hard to find those "some" so why should this approach be surprising? All the more since that kind of funding information would probably be company proprietary data, which NASA wouldn't want to release publicly by itself.
I guess there's no satisfying everyone. Some complain it's all just fluff, empty words and PR and then when some actual number is provided, it's still the wrong thing to do.
Regards
Robert
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#32 by robertross on 31 Oct, 2011 22:25
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Robert Pearlman posted a video overview of the expected layout:
Nice layout. Thanks for the link, and to Mr. Pearlman.
Of course there's no chance we'd get a video feed from there when it's operational, I gather.
It would certainly be a sight though. -
#33 by yg1968 on 01 Nov, 2011 01:24
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RELEASE: 11-349
NASA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE FLORIDA TO REUSE KENNEDY FACILITIES
"The next era of space exploration won't wait, and so we can't wait
for Congress to do its job and give our space program the funding it
needs. That's why my Administration will be pressing forward, in
partnership with Space Florida and the private sector, to create jobs
and make sure America continues to lead the world in exploration and
discovery," President Barack Obama said.
The passage in bold is interesting. -
#34 by A_M_Swallow on 01 Nov, 2011 17:15
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RELEASE: 11-349
NASA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE FLORIDA TO REUSE KENNEDY FACILITIES
"The next era of space exploration won't wait, and so we can't wait
for Congress to do its job and give our space program the funding it
needs. That's why my Administration will be pressing forward, in
partnership with Space Florida and the private sector, to create jobs
and make sure America continues to lead the world in exploration and
discovery," President Barack Obama said.
The passage in bold is interesting.
As in "The buck does not stop here"? -
#35 by JayP on 02 Nov, 2011 13:43
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RELEASE: 11-349
NASA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE FLORIDA TO REUSE KENNEDY FACILITIES
"The next era of space exploration won't wait, and so we can't wait
for Congress to do its job and give our space program the funding it
needs. That's why my Administration will be pressing forward, in
partnership with Space Florida and the private sector, to create jobs
and make sure America continues to lead the world in exploration and
discovery," President Barack Obama said.
The passage in bold is interesting.
That doesn't really mean anything. Anytime the executive and legislative branches are under the sway of different parties (it doesn't matter who is in which office) an automatic state of war exsits between them. This is just one taking the opportunity to take a pot shot at the other. -
#36 by Robotbeat on 02 Nov, 2011 13:49
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Obama has had a theme lately about doing what the executive office can while Congress is fiddling around, and he's making clear that's what he's doing.
And frankly, I'm glad. Congress has been absolutely ridiculous in how slow it has been. Remember how close we came to a government shutdown? Remember all the delays caused because NASA was operating on Continuing Resolution after Continuing Resolution? Congress has to know that if they continue to act like that, the American people will kick them out. Congress needs to start acting like adults and get stuff done.
