Space Florida Celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Bumper 8 Launch Florida’s Cape Canaveral Spaceport Remains a Global Leader

Exploration Park, Fla. (July 24, 2020) – Today, Space Florida celebrates the 70^th anniversary of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport and its first launch. On July 24, 1950, the Bumper 8 rocket lifted off from what was then known as the Joint Long-Range Proving Ground’s Pad 3 as a high-speed, long-range test. That launch would go on to inspire generations of starstruck explorers. Since that day, the Spaceport has seen more than 3,700 launches and landings of more than 100 different types of vehicles and a multitude of passengers – from monkeys to astronauts. Throughout the Cape’s history, Florida has been the unequivocal leader in space exploration, and the embarkation point for more cargo and humans launched into orbit than anywhere else on Earth. We are proud of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport’s storied legacy which has transformed throughout the past 70 years, and we look forward to leading the world into the next era of space exploration, commerce and innovation. Happy Anniversary to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport!

The Space Florida mobile access structure at SLC-46 owes its design elements all the way back to the portable gantry used on the Bumper 8 rocket. The Bumper rockets were serviced from what was essentially the first mobile service tower at the Cape.

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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

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Press Contact:

Sara Shell
321-730-5301 x221
‍sshell@spaceflorida.gov