(A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch – Photo Credit: SpaceX)
SpaceX are planning to build the world’s first commercial vertical launchpad for orbital rockets and missions near Brownsville, south Texas. The facility is expected to become operational in 2016.
The launchpad will be built in Boca Chica Beach, a location east of Brownsville and near the US-Mexico border. The facility will cover about 50 acres of land.
The south Texas site will host a vertical launch complex, control centre and ground-tracking stations which will support 12 commercial sub-orbital missions per year, including launches from the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles.
“SpaceX is excited to expand our work in Texas with the world’s first commercial launch complex designed specifically for orbital missions. We appreciate the support of Gov. Perry and numerous other federal, state and local officials who have partnered with us to make this vision a reality,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced.
“In addition to creating hundreds of high tech jobs for the Texas workforce, this site will inspire students, expand the supplier base and attract tourists to the south Texas area” Musk added.
The launchpad will generate around 300 jobs and will inject $85 million of capital investment into the economy.
“Texas has been on the forefront of our nation’s space exploration efforts for decades, so it is fitting that SpaceX has chosen our state as they expand the frontiers of commercial space flight,” Governor Rick Perry said. “In addition to growing the aerospace industry in Texas, SpaceX’s facility will provide myriad opportunities for STEM education in South Texas, and inspire a new generation of Texas engineers and innovators”.
Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez stated: “What a historical moment for the greater Brownsville region and the State of Texas. It’s the culmination of a dream and a vision that began more than three years ago.”
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