KSC Physical Assets Happenings

Q.  What happened to all the former Shuttle facilities?

A.  KSC and the Shuttle program conducted a thorough review of assets funded by the Shuttle program and determined which were needed for Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion programs.   Assets that were not needed but had the potential for commercial reuse were offered to industry or other government agencies.  The following assets have partnership agreements for their use:

• Orbiter Processing Facility 3; Process Control Center and Main Engine Shop - Partnership with Space Florida
• NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) – Partnership with 
• Orbiter Processing Facility, Bays 1 and 2 – Partnership with U.S. Air Force
• Launch Complex 39A – Partnership with SpaceX
• Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) – Partnership with Space Florida

Assets that had no potential for commercial reuse were abandoned until they could be demolished.

Q.  What is happening with the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)?

A.  The majority of the VAB is being used by the SLS program for stacking and integration of the launch vehicle.  VAB High Bay 2 is an exception.  Currently, High Bay 2 is being used for crawler/transporter modifications.  When this activity is complete, High Bay 2 will be available for use by the commercial space industry.  The opportunity is being publicized via the NASA Acquisition Internet Service (NAIS) and Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) websites as an Announcement for Proposals (ADP).  In addition to VAB High Bay 2, NASA is offering 3 Mobile Launcher Platforms (MLPs) for commercial reuse in an Announcement for Proposal (AFP). 

Q.  What is happening with KSC Vacant Land?

A.  A Notice of Availability (NOA) is available for non-NASA entities interested in developing commercial capabilities on vacant KSC property in accordance with the KSC Master Plan. The NOA considers proposals that align with specific land uses identified in the Master Plan that are compatible with NASA programs along with other multi-user spaceport operations. Based on responses to this NOA, NASA may select potential partners with which to have additional discussions regarding possible public-private partnerships to allow for commercial development of available KSC property.   

Q.  What is happening with Launch Complex 39B?

A.  Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) is being re-utilized for the Space Launch System (SLS) class of super-heavy launch vehicles.  LC-39B has undergone significant renovation since the last shuttle flight from this pad in 2010.  This fixed-service-structure (FSS) and rotating-service-structure (RSS) that were specific to the Shuttle Program have been removed.  Lightning suppression towers and catenary wire have been built to protect the pad from lightning strikes.  The flame trench has been refurbished for SLS.  LC-39B has been designated as a “clean pad” so other launch vehicles could be supported at this launch site.  At this time, a multi-user approach has not been defined, but is expected in the future.

Q.  What is happening with KSC Roads and Bridges?

A.  KSC is in discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation to turn over operations and maintenance responsibilities for roads and bridges outside of the secured perimeter gates to the State.

Q.  What is happening with the KSC Railroad?

A.  NASA requires rail infrastructure for future transportation of SLS booster segments. The rail system is being maintained to a level that preserves this capability. KSC has no other planned uses.  

Q.  How is permitting for new construction handled on KSC?

A.  KSC provides review and approval of construction designs like a city or county building department would.  The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for compliance with National Fire Safety Codes resides at within the Spaceport Integrations and Services directorate (SI).  Environmental Permitting is also coordinated through SI.

Q.  What other assets are available for reuse by the commercial space industry?

A.  The Crawler Transporter(S), Launch Control Center firing rooms, and other LC-39 assets may be available for use by commercial launch operators.