With the utility corridor in works, Space Florida’s LLF is a prime location for future development for commercial aerospace customers. With over 400 acres of both air and land-side developable property in the first phase, potential uses include aircraft or spacecraft operational hangars, office space, passenger training and operations facilities; aerospace manufacturing, processing and assembly facilities; and propellant and fueling facilities.
At 15,000 feet long and 300 feet wide, the LLF is one of the longest and most capable runways in the world. Strategically located in the heart of Florida’s aerospace ecosystem at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, the LLF is located away from populated areas and provides access to restricted airspace. Other features of the LLF include the air traffic control tower; navigational and landing aids; and fire and emergency response services.
“Construction of the utility corridor is the next step in attracting commercial aerospace to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “With the land within Space Florida’s Exploration Park nearing capacity and market demand accelerating, development at the Launch and Landing Facility ensures Florida’s leadership in space commerce and exploration will continue, bringing new capabilities and customers to the busiest spaceport in the world. We look forward to the future activity at the Launch and Landing Facility.”
“The Florida Department of Transportation congratulates Space Florida and its partners as they begin the construction of the spaceport Launch and Landing Facility utility corridor,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “This is another critical investment as Florida leads the way in commercial space development creating statewide economic opportunities for generations to come.”
Florida designates space as an official mode of transportation, and Space Florida works closely with Florida Department of Transportation on the Spaceport Improvement Program to make critical investments in Florida infrastructure to accelerate the growth of the aerospace industry in Florida. Space Florida is in active dialog with multiple companies exploring near term capacity development at the LLF.
In 2015, NASA formally transferred the operations and maintenance of the former Shuttle Landing Facility to Space Florida, opening up new commercial capacity for the LLF. In 2018, Space Florida secured a Launch Site Operators license for the facility from the Federal Aviation Administration. In recent months, Space Florida received the Reentry Site Operators License from the Federal Aviation Administration.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov
Press Contact:
Sara Shell
321-730-5301 x221
sshell@spaceflorida.gov
