Fri, Dec 27, 2013
Generation Orbit Plans Test Flights From Northeast Florida's Cecil Spaceport In 2014
Generation Orbit Launch Services Atlanta is preparing for test launches off the runway at Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, FL in 2014 in anticipation of its first commercial flight in 2016. The company specializes in launching “micro” and “nano” satellites from a rocket attached to a modified Gulfstream GIII business jet.
The tenant agreement signed before Christmas stipulates that JAA will make available, at a negotiated rate, hangar space and other facilities, office space, launch command-and-control facilities and equipment. Additionally, Generation Orbit will have access to the runway, rocket test areas, coordination with FAA range authorities and air traffic control. The two-year agreement has an option to renew for three one-year terms.
“This is a major development for JAA and Cecil Spaceport, but also for the commercial space industry as a whole,” said Todd Lindner, JAA’s senior manager of aviation planning and spaceport development, in a news release.
JAA will match a $1.8-million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and Space Florida to construct a hangar designed to accommodate commercial launch vehicles at the west Jacksonville airport. Space Florida is responsible for fostering growth in Florida’s space industry. The final cost of the hangar could be more than $4 million and will be completed by early 2015.
“The JAA spaceport team has worked tirelessly to position Cecil as a leading site for the commercial space industry and we’re very proud of the result and the partnership with Generation Orbit,” JAA Executive Director and CEO Steve Grossman said.
More News
Instrument Runway A runway equipped with electronic and visual navigation aids for which a precision or nonprecision approach procedure having straight-in landing minimums has been>[...]
Aero Linx: Alaska Airmen's Association The Alaska Airmen's Association includes over 2,000 members—we are one of the largest General Aviation communities in the country. We s>[...]
Also: Flt School Security, G600 Steep-Approach, Honduran Aid, PW545D Cert Two aircraft performing at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show clipped wings during a routine last Sunday, spooki>[...]
Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 >[...]
Also: Paramotor Champ's, Electric Ultralight, ICON BK Update, Burt Rutan at Oshkosh! The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway >[...]