Launch Complex 46

Space Florida Facilities

Florida is an unquestioned leader nationally and internationally in the global aerospace industry. Florida consistently ranks in the top five U.S. states for aerospace industry employment, with more than 130,000 employees in 2017. More than 17,144 aerospace-related companies call Florida home, contributing $19 billion in revenues to Florida’s economy.

Launch Complex 46

Space Florida’s Launch Complex 46 business strategy is to provide launch capabilities at the lowest cost possible. To help reach this goal, the Mobile Access Structure (MAS) was carefully planned and designed to accommodate a variety of types and sizes of launch vehicles. Space Florida is actively seeking launch and payload customers for this multi-use vertical launch facility.

Past and Current Use

Originally, Launch Complex 46 was constructed by the U.S. Navy in 1985 to support land-based testing of the Trident submarine launched ballistic missile. The U.S. Navy began sharing the complex with the State of Florida in 1993. The complex is equipped with a Mobile Access Structure (MAS) which can be moved into place over the launch pad/flame trench area. Over $6.8 million of commercial, federal, and state funds have been invested in Space Florida’s MAS, the launch stand and other support infrastructure.Among Space Florida’s notable launches at LC-46 is NASA’s Lunar Prospector successfully launched in January 1998 and in January 1999, the Republic of China successfully launched ROCSAT-1. Both missions used Lockheed-Martin Athena rockets. (click for video of launch)

Launch Complex 46 Specifications

Six (6) camera mounts
7,000 square foot support building
Pad lighting
Underground equipment room
Lightning protection is available at the south end of the pad near the ordnance test area and on Space Florida’s Mobile Access Structure (MAS)
Roads are in good condition and the area is fenced with security gates.
The multi-user pad was constructed with ten-foot diameter vehicles in mind.
Payload lift capabilities for low earth orbit (LEO) in excess of 4,900 lbs (2,227 kg).
Current infrastructure supports launch vehicles with maximum dimensions of 120 feet (36 meters) height, and multiple vehicle / payload diameters between 50 and 120 inches (125 to 300 centimeters)

contact

pmccarthy@spaceflorida.gov (321) 730-5301 ext. 232

Spaceport Operations

Pat McCarthy
Director of Spaceport Operations
pmccarthy@spaceflorida.gov
Ph: 1-321-730-5301 ext. 232

Corporate Office

Ph: 321-730-5301
Fx: 321-730-5307
505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953

Located just outside of the gates of Kennedy Space Center, Exploration Park is on Florida’s Space Coast – the only place in the world with a Quadramodal Transportation Hub featuring transportation by land, air, sea and space.

Space Florida Facilities