Launch Complex 39 A of the Kennedy Space Center, the launch pad where the historic Apollo 11 mission took off, is now under the management of SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies).
The launch pad will now be used for SpaceX's exploration launches as their spacecraft leave for the Earth's orbit and other destinations. On April 14, NASA has signed the property contract that will allow Space X to use the launch pad for 20 years. For two decades, the space transport company owned by billionaire Elon Musk will control the launch pad and maintain all the needed facilities using their own funds.
"Pad 39A is a historic pad, as we all know, and I am so excited that NASA selected us to be one of their partners and also to be their partner in developing 39A as we move forward into the future of space launch," SpaceX's president and chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell told Space.com.
NASA has been negotiating with SpaceX since last year regarding the exclusive use of the launch pad. The U.S space agency decided that it no longer needs the launch pad since it has been using Pad 39B. SpaceX will be using the leased launch pad for the Space Launch Systems rockets as well as the Orion capsules that will send astronauts to the periphery of Mars and the moon.
The launch pad was last used for the STS-135 in 2011. After that, NASA opened the possibility of renting the launch pad for private companies, including Space X, to allow them to carry out their own commercial launches to the International Space Station and the Earth's orbit. According to SpaceX, the company will make some modifications for Pad39A, to make it ready for their launches scheduled in 2015.
"We've had architects in our launch site engineering team working for many months on the sidelines," Shotwell explained to Space.com. She also added that the Falcon Heavy will be launched from Pad39A in 2015 along with some other commercial launches.
