Tag: OPF
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Delving deeper into KSC’s transformation into a Multi-User Spaceport
The 2011 conclusion of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program posed a major challenge for the Kennedy Space Center, the historic spaceport dotted with facilities purpose-built for shuttles. Eleven months before the shuttle program ended, NASA developed post-shuttle plans for its facilities and operations. Five years later, KSC is into the final leg of its transformation.…
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KSC continuing its spaceport transition for the new era
It’s been over three years since the world famous Kennedy Space Center (KSC) last felt the rumble of a launch from within its grounds. However, the spaceport hasn’t fallen completely silent, as a realignment of the center’s role continues apace, ahead of the new era of commercial and government launches that may ultimately result in humans…
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Facilitating the commercial crew era for Kennedy’s OPFs
As the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) continues its transformation into a multi-user spaceport, the three buildings dedicated to processing the since-retired Space Shuttle orbiters are aiming to once again host engineers busily tending to their spacecraft. However, only one of the buildings has confirmed a tenant for the new era at this time. OPF Transition:…
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Atlantis’ team comforted by the orbiter retiring at her home port of KSC
A few days after the high-visibility move of Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour to her retirement home, a quieter move marked the end of an era October 17th at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) when NASA and United Space Alliance (USA) workers rolled Orbiter Atlantis out of Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for the…
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OPF-3’s conversion into Boeing’s C3PF to begin on September 10
The removal of work stands in Orbiter Processing Facility -3 (OPF-3) will begin next week, as the former home to Shuttle orbiters is converted into the new processing facility for Boeing’s future crewed spacecraft, CST-100. The conversion is expected to take a year, as the OPF changes call signs to the Commercial Crew and Cargo…
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SNC evaluating KSC processing facilities to house the Dream Chaser fleet
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have stepped up their evaluations into finding a suitable facility to house the Dream Chaser fleet in Florida. With the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) confirmed as their fleet’s HQ, several buildings – ranging from an Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to other available buildings at the famous spaceport – may become viable…
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Atlantis readied for her trip to the VAB – OPF-1 for transition
Atlantis is closing in on the end of her Transition and Retirement (T&R) processing, following the installation of her three Replica Shuttle Main Engines (RSMEs). Atlantis is scheduled to roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on Friday, in preparation for going on display just down the road at the Visitor Center, allowing for her…
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Atlantis put to sleep after 26 years loyal service – OPF turnovers
Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis was powered down for the final time on Thursday, following a 26 year, 33 mission career. With her retirement, the world-famous space ship will at least remain at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), a spaceport which is continuing to transition its shuttle facilities – as seen with the upping of the…
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Boeing’s CST-100 leases OPF-3 following NASA agreement with Space Florida
One of NASA’s Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) suitors – Boeing and their CST-100 spacecraft – have signed a 15 year lease to utilize Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-3) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The deal was announced on Monday, following a NASA agreement with Space Florida – the State’s aerospace economic development agency. The Deal:…
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Discovery’s VAB stay part of a commercial transition for the OPFs
With Discovery now enjoying a month-long vacation inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), following her rollover on Wednesday, the long-term future for the Orbiter Processing Facilities (OPFs) will be heavily focused on attracting the new fleet of commercial vehicles, as the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) transitions into a multi-purpose spaceport. Discovery in the VAB: Following…