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Dragon display in Florida & to take over Delta 2 facility

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  • Dragon display in Florida & to take over Delta 2 facility

    First the Delta 2 facility takeover, then the Dragon going on display stuff.

    Taking over the Boeing/ULA Delta 2 launch processing center will help them up their flight rate. Once they modify Launch Complex 40 for both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches (a 2nd integration barn 90° to the existing Falcon 9 barn) they'll need even more space. That LC-40 change will also allow for the simultaneous processing of 2 flights.

    Link....

    A New Home for Falcon-9 Processing at the Cape

    (Source: SPACErePORT)

    Last month, Space Florida's board of directors approved several infrastructure investments at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. One of those investments was apparently intended to meet SpaceX's need for expansion at the spaceport. With limited room at a Launch Complex 40 building for horizontal processing of Falcon-9 rockets, and scant extra room in the same facility for work on Dragon capsules, SpaceX was looking at excess facilities within the CCAFS Industrial Area nearby. With support from Space Florida and the Air Force 45th Space Wing, SpaceX is now modifying the Delta Mission Checkout (DMCO) facility--which formerly supported Delta-2 rocket processing--for Falcon-9 operations. (7/1)
    If anyone's going to be in the area take pics & post

    SPACEX DRAGON SPACECRAFT RETURNS TO FLORIDA

    Public Viewings Available Through July 10, 2011, at the Air Force Space and Missile History Center

    CAPE CANAVERAL, FL—On December 8, 2010, SpaceX became the first commercial company in history to launch, fly, land and recover a spacecraft from low Earth orbit. Now through July 10, 2011, that spacecraft, the SpaceX Dragon, will make its first public appearance in Florida since its historic inaugural flight.

    SpaceX, in coordination with the Air Force Space and Missile History Center, will host a public viewing of the Dragon capsule through July 10 on the grounds of the History Center, located just outside the South Gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS).

    (in the email a pic of Dragon C1 is here)

    Dragon’s inaugural launch served as an important step toward ensuring the future of US-based space programs following shuttle retirement. Having the spacecraft back in Florida will serve as a reminder that the US has a strong future in space exploration, and that American vehicles will continue to launch from Florida after the last flight of Atlantis in July.

    The Air Force Space and Missile History Center will offer extended hours to the public during this time, remaining open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday through the final date of the exhibit. The facility offers free public access and houses historic hardware and visual displays that highlight all active and deactivated CCAFS launch complexes from the past 50+ years of flight. Additionally, the Center features 10 large displays, including a Mercury capsule, Atlas and Titan rocket engines, and a launch console from Launch Complex 19 (Gemini Program).

    “This spacecraft made history last December, and it started its space journey here in Florida. We are excited to bring Dragon back to the state. We are also pleased to work with the Air Force Space and Missile History Center to display Dragon for the public to see,” said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. “With the space shuttle now retiring, Dragon will serve a critical role in next-generation US space exploration programs.”

    “Putting the Dragon capsule on display at the History Center will complement the current exhibits, which highlight past, present and future launch activities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,“ said Emily Perry, Air Force Space and Missile History Center Director.

    With an additional NASA demonstration flight slated for later this year from CCAFS, SpaceX will become the first U.S. commercial launch services company to successfully demonstrate and execute US-based cargo transport capability to the International Space Station through Dragon. Dragon is the first commercially manufactured space transport vehicle and will play a key role in the country’s next generation of manned space exploration initiatives.

    # # #

    About the Air Force Space and Missile History Center

    The Air Force Space and Missile History Center is a 3,200-square-foot facility outside the gates of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The facility is open to the public and admission is free. In addition to numerous exhibits, the History Center features 10 large displays, including a Mercury capsule, Atlas and Titan rocket engines and a launch console from the Gemini Program. The History Center also features a gift shop that offers many unique aerospace-related items. To learn more, call 321-853-1919 or visit www.afspacemuseum.org (click on link to the History Center).
    Last edited by Dr Mordrid; 1 July 2011, 20:34.
    Dr. Mordrid
    ----------------------------
    An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

    I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps
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