Physical Assets (FAQs)
A: KSC and the Shuttle program conducted a thorough review of assets funded by the Shuttle program and determined which were needed for Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion programs. Assets that were not needed but had the potential for commercial reuse were offered to industry or other government agencies. The following assets have partnership agreements for their use:
*Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility (C3PF) – Partnership with Space Florida
(formerly Orbiter Processing Facility 3 (OPF3))
*Orbiter Processing Facility, Bays 1 and 2 – Partnership with U.S. Space Force
*Launch Complex 39A – Partnership with SpaceX
*Launch and Landing Facility – Partnership with Space Florida
(formerly Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF))
*Assets that had no potential for commercial reuse were abandoned until they could be demolished.
A. The VAB is currently being utilized by the Exploration Ground Systems program for the stacking and integration of the SLS rocket for NASA’s Artemis missions returning humanity to the surface of the Moon. EGS utilizes the main transfer isle to move and prepare flight hardware prior to the stacking and integration of the SLS rocket in high bay 3 for NASA’s Artemis missions. EGS also utilizes high bay 4 for ground support equipment storage and staging prior to use. High bay 2 is currently being utilized by Boeing to vertically integrate and finish the SLS core stages for the Artemis Program. There are currently opportunities for commercial use of High Bay 1 (HB1) for commercial entities awarded Human Lander System (HLS) contracts.
A. A Notice of Availability (NOA) is available for non-NASA entities interested in developing commercial capabilities on vacant KSC property in accordance with the KSC Master Plan. The NOA considers proposals that align with specific land uses identified in the Master Plan that are compatible with NASA programs along with other multi-user spaceport operations. Based on responses to this NOA, NASA may issue competitive announcements regarding possible public-private partnerships to allow for commercial development of available KSC property.
A. Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B) is currently in use by Exploration Ground Systems for the launch of the SLS rocket for NASA’s Artemis missions. LC-39B was refurbished to support SLS and the 21st century multiuser spaceport. Following the successful launch of Artemis I in November 2022 and Artemis II in April 2026, EGS teams are currently preparing LC-39B for the launch of Artemis III which will focus on rendezvous, software synchronization, and docking maneuvers between the Orion spacecraft and human landing system test articles. Engineers finalized testing on the brand-new Emergency Egress System before the Artermis II launch, which features large escape baskets situated at the 274-foot level of the Mobile Launcher tower. Read more HERE.
A. KSC and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) share operations and maintenance responsibilities for roads and bridges outside of the secured perimeter gates. KSC’s NASA Causeway Bridge, which connects Kennedy and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was replaced and completed in March 2025. Read more about the project HERE.
A. Partner agreements typically require NASA approval prior to new construction or building modifications as required by the International Building Code and the Florida Building Code. Building construction plans and other relevant documentation must be submitted to the KSC Authority Having Jurisdiction, NE technical approval authority, and Safety and Mission Assurance. Additional 3rd party plan review and construction inspection requirements may apply. Additionally, KSC Environmental Management Office reviews project site plans and proposals and provides guidance and requirements for applicable environmental permitting requirements.
