Expected To Announce It Will Build Engines, Maybe Space Craft In Central Florida

While there has not yet been an official announcement, word around the aerospace community is that Mojave, CA-based XCOR will be establishing a presence on the east-central coast of Florida, building engines and maybe spacecraft at a facility at the Kennedy Space Center.

The official announcement will be made at the Astronaut Encounter Theater at the space center's visitor's complex next week. Florida Today reports that the information about the Florida business venture was included in an invitation to the August 23rd event at 1000 EDT. XCOR would not confirm any details beyond what was included in the invitation.

The deal is the result of a lot of work with Space Florida and the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, which has been reeling since the end of the shuttle program. KSC had recently issued a request for commercial proposals for use of the former Shuttle Landing Facility ... a 15,000 foot runway and other infrastructure ... which would obviously be attractive for the Lynx spacecraft being developed by XCOR.

The county is reportedly offering a local match for nearly $1 million in state grants under a special tax program for targeted industries. Space Florida has agreed to pay up to $3 million as the company reaches certain milestones.

An XCOR representative reportedly told the Brevard County, FL, commission that it hopes to be open at KSC by October, 2014. Their business plan calls for hiring over 150 people at an average salary of just under $61,000.

FMI: www.xcor.com, www.spaceflorida.gov