KLC: ONE YEAR LAUNCH-FREE!

Congratulations to Alaska Aerospace Corporation for completing one year launch-free!  The last launch at the KLC was December 5, 2008.
On December 31, 2009, AAC  can proudly state that not one launch occurred in the calendar year 2009!
This "for profit" corporation and its facility have been bailed out by the federal and state governments since 1995.  
AAC officials have admitted that launch revenues do not cover the cost of operating the facility.

Meanwhile, a 30 million dollar "rocket storage facility" is being constructed at the KLC, using federal and state money.  At least they can store them even if they aren't launching them!
To those who claim that the KLC is vital to National Missile Defense, it should be noted that the target missiles fired from Kodiak can be launched from portable launch pads using mobile mission control modules.  Little, if any, of the infrastructure currently in place is required for MDA launches.
And local residents have reported that that Faulty Tower (the unused launch tower sitting on an earthquake fault) is continuing to rust and corrode in the harsh marine climate of Narrow Cape, despite a million dollar paint job just two years ago.

Big Anniversary Coming Up!!

Watch this space for news of a milestone anniversary coming up for the Kodiak Launch Complex!

Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation Becomes “Alaska Aerospace Corporation”

We love how AADC (oops, we mean AAC) continually comes up with arguments claiming that some insignificant action they propose or perform will help obtain launches: "The name change assists in securing launch and other aerospace related contracts".
The truth of the matter is that no private businesses want to do commercial launches at the KLC (it's cost prohibitive) and even the military launches are dwindling - tens of millions of dollars thrown away on infrastructure that sits on major earthquake faults and slowly rusts away in our corrosive marine environment; it's all pork barrel waste.

Anway here's the info from their website:

On October 20, 2009, Alaska Senate Bill 125, sponsored by Senator Joe Paskvan and signed by the Governor into law, changed the corporation’s name to that of the Alaska Aerospace Corporation to recognize the corporation’s growth and successful operation. There are no changes to ownership or corporate governance.

Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) was established by the Alaska State Legislature in 1991 and charged with stimulating a high technology aerospace industry in the state. AADC was designed to augment the nation’s ability to place satellites into orbit and to support missile defense testing. The Corporation, in partial fulfillment of its charter, built and operates the Kodiak Launch Facility, the nation’s first full service commercial spaceport that was not co-located on a federal reservation. [Editor's Note: no commercial launches have ever taken place at the KLC]

Senate Bill 125 simply changes the name of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation.

The word “Development” in the corporation’s title gave the perception that they were a not-for-profit administrative body that simply encourages aerospace development, rather than an organization that owns and operates space launch facilities that are fully developed and capable of launching rockets into space. The name change assists in securing launch and other aerospace related contracts that generate significant economic benefits to Alaska by providing long-term, high-paying, stable jobs; by providing local economic diversity; and by creating short-term benefits from projects and construction activities.

Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation Board Of Directors Meeting

We wonder if they'll announce the May 28, 2010 launch that's mentioned in various sources.

October 23, 2009, 10:30 am
Alaska Energy Building
4300 B Street, Suite 103
Anchorage, Alaska

Proposed agenda items include an update regarding the Kodiak Launch Complex, up coming missions and other matters to properly come before the board. The board may also hold an executive session in accordance with AS 44.62.310.
Individuals or groups of people with disabilities who require special accommodations, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats, call 561-3338 by 9:00 am on October 9, 2009. Please provide advance notice in order that AADC may accommodate your needs.

Ball Aerospace Completes STPSat-2 Satellite Pre-Shipment Review

We continue to wonder when AADC will mention to the public this upcoming launch.....

By: PR Newswire
Oct. 13, 2009 08:03 AM


BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has successfully completed a comprehensive pre-shipment review for STPSat-2, the first spacecraft for the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) program. Launch of the vehicle is scheduled for the second quarter of 2010 on a Minotaur IV rocket from Alaska's Kodiak Launch Complex.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091013/LA91264)

The pre-shipment review was completed on Sept. 17, following assembly and performance testing of the standard vehicle and standard payload interface which is designed to accelerate the DoD's space technology efforts. The testing also included functional and environmental testing of the STPSat-2 payload suite, which is comprised of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Phenomenology Experiment and ONR's Ocean Data Telemetry Microsat Link.

"Completion of the first STP vehicle is a tremendous achievement toward the goal of increasing access to space for future DoD payloads," said David L. Taylor, Ball Aerospace president and CEO. "Ball Aerospace is confident the repeatable design used for STP-SIV program will help pave the way for reducing cost, schedule and risk on DoD missions."

STP-SIV is capable of supporting a variety of experimental and risk reduction payloads and multiple launch vehicles. Using flight-proven hardware for the spacecraft (and developmental hardware only on the experimental payloads), each bus can accommodate up to four independent payloads, each one having its own separate power and data interface. Ball Aerospace has already begun production on the second STP-SIV, designated STPSat-3, following a contract award from the Air Force Space Development & Test Wing Space Development Group at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., earlier this year.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications.

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2008 sales of approximately $7.6 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available at our Web site and at www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions, including our beverage can end project; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; and changes in foreign exchange rates, tax rates and activities of foreign subsidiaries. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the current global credit squeeze and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures; integration of recently acquired businesses; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including in respect of chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

SOURCE Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
Published Oct. 13, 2009
Copyright © 2009 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.

Space Weather Microsat Eyes 2010 Launch

One wonders why the AADC website has no mention of this launch; in fact, that site hasn't been updated since February, 2009 (as best we can ascertain). Once again, AADC fails in public relations and communication as we have to find out about launches in Kodiak from out-of-state news sources.


Oct 6, 2009(From Aviation Week)

Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado have nearly finished integrating the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)-sponsored FalconSAT-5 microsatellite, which soon will undergo system testing before being shipped to Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska for launch next year.

The $11 million FalconSAT-5 will fly as a secondary payload on the Space Test Program's (STP) S26 mission, which is slated to launch on May 28, 2010, on a Minotaur IV modified ICBM.

FalconSAT-5 will perform space weather measurements with onboard sensors in collaboration with remote ground sites. On Sept. 25, the satellite's main payload - the Space Plasma Characterization Source (SPCS) - arrived at the Astronautics Laboratory. After fit checking, cadets provided updates on the satellite to STP officials during an S26 payload readiness review Sept. 29. Satellite system testing will take place in the coming months at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Manufactured by Busek Inc. of Natick, Mass., under an AFRL Small Business Innovation Research contract, SPCS uses a 500-Watt Hall Effect thruster, propelled by one kilogram of xenon and ammonia cold gas to stimulate the space environment around the satellite and perform small orbital maneuvers. The Integrated Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer (iMESA) and Wafer Integrated Spectrometers (WISPERS) payloads measure effects from the thruster's rocket plume on the surrounding space weather environment.

This suite of experiments will measure the local ionosphere, stimulate the local space weather environment, measure the subsequent changes and evaluate ionospheric effects on radio frequency signals for communication impacts, according to an Air Force statement.

Rocket boosters to stop at Indian Island during transport for space program

News from Peninsula Daily News
By Jeff Chew

INDIAN ISLAND -- Three rocket boosters that will be used in a 2010 launch from Kodiak Island will stop off at Naval Magazine Indian Island late this month.

The Navy base in Port Townsend Bay will assist the Air Force Space Command's Space Development and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico in transporting the rocket boosters.

The three motors, which will use rocket fuel, will be shipped from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to Naval Magazine Indian Island, said Tonya Racasner, Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center media relations representative, based in El Segundo, Calif., who did not specify which day the motors are expected to arrive at the base.

The three rocket motors -- which range in weight from 107,000 pounds for the first stage motor to 17,500 pounds for the third stage motor -- will be transported to Indian Island over the road on commercial heavy haulers.

They will then be loaded at the Naval Magazine pier onto a commercial shipping barge with a deck of about 27,000 square feet for transportation to Kodiak Island, a trip that will take between eight and 14 days, depending upon the weather.

The rocket motors will be installed at the Kodiak Launch Complex starting in early 2010 for the launch planned for May 2010.

The rocket motors are retired Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile stages that will be used as the first three stages of a Minotaur IV space launch vehicle for the Department of Defense Space Test Program S26, Racasner said.

"The solid rocket motors will be stored and transported in containers specifically designed for motor transportation in accordance with Department of Transportation and Defense Transportation Regulations and will be under the supervision of the Air Force and the U.S. Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command," the Air Force said in a prepared statement.

Naval Magazine Indian Island "is involved because they are the only Northwestern port with the infrastructure and expertise to support such a large ordnance shipment," Racasner said.

No fuel will be transported with the rocket motors.

Space Test Program

The Department of Defense Space Test Program S26 will launch seven experimental satellites investigating the space environment, space effects on satellite components and satellite guidance and control.

"The U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program has a 41-year history and is charged with providing access to space to the U.S. space community for scientific and experimental projects that demonstrate a potential military" use, Racasner said.

It will be the 26th small launch vehicle mission for the program.

The Minotaur family of space launch vehicles is built for the Space Development and Test Wing's Launch Test Squadron by Orbital Sciences Corporation, using a combination of commercial and retired Peacekeeper and Minuteman II ICBM hardware.

More information on the Minotaur IV can be found at the Orbital Sciences Corporations' Web site at tinyurl.com/orbitalminotaur.

Besides Naval Magazine Indian Island, several government and commercial operations are participating in the transport of the rocket motors, including the Air Force Ogden Air Logistics Center's 309th Missile Maintenance Wing and the Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

Where's AADC?

One wonders why AADC is not listed as exhibiting at this summit - if you really want to attract commercial launches, don't you want to take every opportunity to promote and publicize your facility? Or has the KLC truly become a strictly military-use site as was predicted by many Kodiak citizens as early as 1995?

The 2009 Governor's Aerospace Summit is coming to Spokane on October 6 and 7.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 11, 2009 – (SPOKANE, Wash.) - Make sure to register for the Governor's Aerospace Summit in Spokane, Washington, as registration will increase starting September 21, 2009. Visit www.greaterspokane.org for registration information or visit here to learn more.


Important dates for summit attendees:


Registration Increases September 21
Davenport Group Rate Expires September 15
Exhibitor Tables are Limited - Book By September 30
The Aerospace Summit is co-sponsored by The Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) and Greater Spokane Incorporated.


This year's summit event will include a reception and trade show event beginning at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6. The official program will continue on Wednesday morning, starting at 8:00 AM, and will include keynote and general sessions, along with industry-specific sessions in the afternoon. The event will conclude at 3:30 PM on October 7.


Summit speakers:

Governor Christine Gregoire
Senator Lisa Brown
Senator Chris Marr
Mayor Mary Verner
Gen. Eugene Tattini, Ret. - Deputy Director, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Scott Hamilton - President and CEO, Leeham Co LLC
Addison Pemberton - President, Scanivalve
Aviation High School

Summit sponsors:

Apex Industries
Boeing
Hobart Machining
Snohomish County EDC

Registered exhibitors:

Absolute Aviation
Altek, Inc.
Apex Industries
Haskins Steel
Jet Seal
Rand North America
Samuelson and Associates
Triumph Composite Systems
Xpedx


Registration for the event is $125 before September 21, 2009. The price will increase to $150 until October 6. Registration at the door will be $200.

Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Linda Lanham at lindal@afa.wa.com, or via phone at 253.277.1844.

Companies interested in exhibitor opportunities may contact Robin Toth of Greater Spokane Incorporated at rtoth@greaterspokane.org or via phone at 509.321.3636. Space is limited.

To register for the event, please visit the events link at www.greaterspokane.org or register for the event here.

Discounted fares on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air are provided by Alaska Airlines Groups and Meetings. More information is available on the website.

About Aerospace Futures Alliance
The Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington (AFA) is one of the nation's leading aerospace industry associations and the premier aerospace association in Washington State. AFA is committed to making it easier for Washington State aerospace companies to do business in the state by working to:

Lower the regulatory and tax burden on aerospace companies
Lower the cost of doing business through transportation infrastructure improvement and reform of the health care system
Ensure that the state has a strong pool of highly-skilled, well-educated employees for the future.

The 650 aerospace companies in Washington employ more than 209,000 people and account for $36 billion in revenue - 15% of the gross domestic product of the state. AFA provides a strong voice for the aerospace industry throughout the state, working closely with a multitude of organizations including labor, educational institutions, airports, seaports and other partners.


For more information about the AFA, visit www.afa-wa.com or contact us at 253-277-1844.


About Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium
The Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) is an association of aerospace organizations located in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, comprising an area from the Cascades to the Rockies. The INWAC group works to position aerospace as the region's premier industry, providing leadership, resources, networking opportunities and advocacy to grow aerospace companies. For more information about INWAC, please visit www.inwac.com

What's New for AADC?

A recent Kodiak Daily Mirror article quoted AADC officials saying that two orbital launches were scheduled for 2010; nothing on their web site about these launches. Meanwhile, the area of Narrow Cape where my friend shot a nice buck last year is being paved as the new rocket motor storage building site is prepped. One more chunk of Narrow Cape to be fenced in and off-limits to hikers, berry-pickers, hunters, etc.

On another note, a long-time KRLIG member wrote us this email: "I was intrigued to see the supporter of the KLC who insisted on remaining anonymous; used to be it was the opposition who tried to be anonymous. Clearly, community sentiment has changed toward the KLC as Kodiak has realized that the feds and state have continually bailed AADC out from the beginning."

DoD SBIR/STTR: Missile Defense Agency's 5th Annual Industry Day

Saturday, June 27, 2009
DoD SBIR/STTR: Missile Defense Agency's 5th Annual Industry Day

The Missile Defense Agency's 5th Annual Industry Day is being held August 11-12, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Long Beach, CA (200 South Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802). The conference is expected to draw representatives from small and large businesses in the high technology R&D sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one sessions with key MDA technical representatives and industry personnel as well as hear overview presentations from key MDA technology leaders.

By establishing this event, it is the goal for the MDA SBIR PMO to allow small businesses the opportunity to schedule one-on-one appointments with technical representatives where they can learn as much as they can about the technical aspects of the SBIR/STTR Program and the upcoming solicitations topics and research areas. A better informed small business community is more likely to submit stronger, more focused proposals and minimize duplication and mistakes - enhancing the SBIR/STTR process for MDA and the Small Business Community.

The Industry Day will focus on enhancing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Small Business Community. Research Area Leads will give briefings on the following technology areas:

Interceptor Technology
Manufacturing, Producibility & Field Sustainability
Radar Technology
Space Technology
Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC)
Directed Energy
Modeling & Simulation
Innovative Concepts & Special Focus Projects*


*Represents SBIR only

This is an opportunity to interact directly with key agency and industry personnel. Direct communication between potential bidders and topic authors is not allowed after August 23, 2009 - the last day of the SBIR pre-solicitation period. After the solicitation opens on August 24, 2009, all questions regarding topics must be addressed through the online SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS). For more information, visit http://www.mdasbir.com. Registration is available at www.ndia.org/meetings/9160.

Spaceport America is launched: Officials mark beginning of construction

Note that while this spaceport is being financed by the state, Virgin Galactic is investing some 250 million in spacecraft to use the facility. We're still waiting for that private business investment in the KLC - state and federal funding and still not able to cover operation costs with launch revenues (no launches = no revenues).
Note the comments near the end of the article made by Roberto Valdez - think of commercial fishing in Alaska and you'll see the parallels.
KLC continues to beg for more and more federal taxpayer funding because it is unable to attract any private, commercial interest or investment. The facility should never have been built until it could be proved that commercial launches would actually occur.

By Diana M. Alba / Las Cruces Sun-News
Posted: 06/20/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT

Conquistadores face a new frontier. Modern-day adventures broke ground Friday at Upham, N.M., for Spaceport America, the first commercial spaceport to take people into outer space. Roberto Valdez, of Espanola, leads a group dressed as conquistadores who came with Don Juan de Onate to the new frontier of New Mexico in 1598. (Norm Dettlaff / Sun-News)
Space ride
If you could afford it, would you take a ride into space? Read story
Yes, in a heartbeat.
Absolutely, to infinity and beyond.
No, I like to keep my feet on the ground.
No, because it will never be affordable for me.

UPHAM, N.M. -- Against the slate-blue backdrop of the San Andres Mountains, officials on Friday symbolically marked the start of construction on Spaceport America and launched a new era of adventure for mankind: commercial space travel.

Spaceport officials have said they expect the $200 million project to wrap up in 18 to 24 months, and an official with the space flight company Virgin Galactic said it could send the first tourists into space in two years, depending on how quickly technology develops.

Gov. Bill Richardson said the spaceport is possible because of investments on the part of the state and Virgin Galactic, which is putting about $250 million into creating the spacecraft that will be used.

"We took a risk, we gambled and we won," he said.

Some people expressed disappointment that a planned flyover by WhiteKnightTwo -- the carrier vehicle for Virgin Galactic's spaceship -- didn't take place. It was en route to New Mexico from its California base when pilots decided to land it in Phoenix because of a technical concern.

But spaceport officials announced that the plane would fly over the Las Cruces International Airport at 9:30 a.m. today. The public can attend.

Speakers said the project would be not only a platform to launch tourists into space, but also an avenue for developing new technologies and science that will benefit humanity.

Spaceport Authority Executive Director Steve Landeene said the possibilities include space-based telecommunications
Advertisement
and solar power.

"This is reality, and it will happen," he said. "The people who say it can't happen -- that's the wrong type of attitude."

The spaceport, situated southeast of Truth or Consequences, will feature a runway, terminal, hangars and supporting infrastructure.

The groundbreaking began with 10 members of the group Sociedad de la Entrada, which re-enacts events from New Mexican history, marching through the desert in Spanish conquistador costumes. After speeches by officials, a road-grader ceremonially cleared the first patch of dirt. Then Richardson scooped a miniature shovel of dirt and placed it in a model rocket, which was launched into the sky.

The people attending were enthusiastic and snapped photographs.

Jerry Johnson of Alamogordo said those photographs would be important someday, after the spaceport is established.

"If you got tape of what things looked like today, 10 years from now, people won't believe it looked like that," he said.

But support wasn't entirely unanimous.

Roberto Valdez of Española, a member of Sociedad de la Entrada, said he has doubts about the project, mostly because he believes other industries that have been established in New Mexico -- he cited the movie industry, the nuclear industry and the national laboratories -- have exploited the state's resources and brought little benefit to native residents.

"I remain skeptical about the spaceport," he said. "As the saying goes: 'Behind every spearhead, there's a shaft.' Behind every endeavor, somebody gets the short end of the stick."

Spaceport officials estimated about 460 people attended the groundbreaking. They were shuttled in from Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces in tour buses.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com; 575- 541-5443



By the numbers
# $200 million -- cost of building Spaceport America.
# 18 to 24 months -- expected length of time to construct the project.
# 10,000 feet -- length of the runway to be built at the spaceport.
Source: New Mexico Spaceport Authority

KLC Trailer Park Temporarily Relocated; Now Gone!

Alaska State Troopers contacted the owners of the trailers parked on state land just beyond the mouth of the Pasagshak River early this week. As a result, the trailers were temporarily located at the entrance to Lake Rose Tead access; as of Thursday, June 18, they had been moved to an unknown location. No information as to why they were parked in the original location has been available. Our thanks to everyone who contacted AADC to protest their employees squatting on public land. These photos were taken on 6/16 of the temporary Trailer Court at the LRT access road. At least three ATVs and two dirt bikes were observed as part of the encampment.


"The Snow Warrior"

There Goes the Neighborhood - KLC Employees Create Illegal Trailer Park on State Land

Kodiak Launch Complex employees have begun a trailer park just past the mouth of the Pasagshak River. They have illegally parked trailers on state land - formal complaints are being filed, but the state can be painfully slow in evicting squatters. If you don't want AADC turning Pasagshak and Narrow Cape into Trailer Trash City, please contact them and let them know their employees should remove their trailers immediately.
Anchorage Administrative Office
4300 B Street, Ste. 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 561-3338
Fax: (907) 561-3339
info@akaerospace.com

KLC Requests More Pork

AADC wants more government handouts; they still cannot pay their own way.
As you read through this desperate plea for more corporate welfare, you'll see that AADC is trying to hold the State of Alaska hostage. "If we don't get this money, the Air Force won't want to launch here." (paraphrase)
Boo-hoo.....8-(
Well, if the Air Force wants to use the facility, why don't they PAY for the infrastructure and support they need? Why does Alaska have to bear their burden?
AADC claims that the money is need to provide economic benefits to Alaska communities - shall we come to depend on government funding of the KLC for our welfare? Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has rejected some federal stimulus funds, saying we shouldn't be beholden to the government. Is this really any different?
So, what will Kodiak get from all this? A vastly increased KLC footprint at Narrow Cape, further limiting recreational access and degrading the aesthetic value of the area. More unused structures rusting away in the marine environment, awaiting destruction when the Narrow Cape earthquake fault underlying the site slips. Some temporary boost to construction (which is actually booming right now as it is).
Pay your own way, AADC!

Kodiak Launch Complex Infrastructure FY2010 Request:
Reference No:
$17,500,000
41789
AP/AL: Appropriation Project Type: Construction
Category: Development
Location: Kodiak Contact: Dale K. Nash, Chief Executive Officer
House District: Kodiak (HD 36) Contact Phone: (907)561-3338
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2009 - 06/30/2014
Brief Summary and Statement of Need:
Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) requests $17.5 million to build two facilities: a dedicated rocket motor storage facility and an additional launch pad. This program contributes to the Department's mission of promoting a healthy economy and strong communities by providing economic growth in the communities it serves.
Funding: FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 Total
Fed Rcpts $14,000,000 $14,000,000
Gen Fund $3,500,000 $3,500,000
Total: $17,500,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $17,500,000
State Match Required One-Time Project Phased - new Phased - underway On-Going
0% = Minimum State Match % Required Amendment Mental Health Bill
Operating & Maintenance Costs: Amount Staff
Project Development: 0 0
Ongoing Operating: 0 0
One-Time Startup: 0
Totals: 0 0
Additional Information / Prior Funding History:
Refer to the funding matrix in the detailed description.
Project Description/Justification:
This is the second of a two-year funding request for this multi-year project.
Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation’s (AADC) Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) requests
funding for the following: a dedicated rocket motor storage facility, an additional launch pad, and related infrastructure. KLC’s existing two launch pads are right next to each and cannot be used simultaneously, thereby limiting customers and launches. The additional facilities will allow multiple launch customers to be on site simultaneously, double KLC’s launch capabilities, and result in KLC being a full service spaceport.
AADC is currently developing a long-term relationship with the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The USAF plans to initiate the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program with the goal of having launch on-demand capability – placing national defense assets in orbit with very little lead time. KLC is an attractive launch site for the ORS program because the KLC offers flexible launch scheduling not available at other U.S. launch sites; and launches from KLC avoid populated areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and congested air routes. However, the ORS program will require a dedicated rocket motor storage facility and dedicated launch pad. Neither is currently available at the KLC.
An initial ORS demonstration launch is planned for September 2009 and a second potential launch is scheduled for December 2009. Once mature, it is estimated the ORS program will launch four or State of Alaska Capital Project Summary Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Final FY10 SB75 Capital Bill Reference No: 41789
5/20/09 1:37:01 PM Page 1
Kodiak Launch Complex Infrastructure FY2010 Request:
Reference No:
$17,500,000
41789
more payloads to orbit each year. This is in addition to launches already provided for the Department
of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. In addition, the AADC is currently in discussions with other
potential customers such as other Department of Defense agencies, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and commercial interests.
The facilities will be built over the next two years and will cost $35 million. In fiscal year 2009 and again in 2010 AADC has/will be requesting $17.5 million. Of that amount, $14.0 million will be provided by the federal government and $3.5 million is requested from the State’s General Fund.
The State’s initial General Fund investment of $15.6 million has resulted in $214 million in revenue, a viable aerospace industry within Alaska, and employment opportunities in Kodiak. KLC has become an acknowledged national asset in the U.S. spaceport inventory. Additional investment by the State will send a strong message that Alaska supports the KLC and the continued expansion of the aerospace industry in Alaska.
If this capital request is not approved, the KLC will not be able to support the U.S. Air Force in its Operationally Responsive Space program. Nor will AADC be able to attract other potential customers as the KLC will continue to be limited – unable to accommodate multiple launch customers on site simultaneously.
Funding History
Year Amount Legislation AR #
FY 1999 5,000,000 SLA 98 Ch 139 Page 40 Line 9 32591-04
FY 2000 6,000,000 SLA 99 Ch 2 Page 38 Line 21 32646-04
FY 2000 9,300,000 RPL 0810064 32647-04
FY 2001 17,900,000 SLA 00 Ch 135 Page 3 Line 13 32627-05
FY 2002 4,500,000 SLA 01 Ch 61 Page 3 Line 23 32639-06
FY 2002 20,000,00 SSSLA 02 Ch 1 Page 112 Line 4 32673-06
FY 2004 38,000,000 SLA 03 Ch 82 Page 45 Line15 32679-08
FY 2006 36,000,000 FSSLA05 Ch3 Page3 Line27 32723-09
FY 2007 15,000,000 SLA 06 Ch82 Page 3 Line 30 10334-11
FY 2008 15,000,000 SLA 07 Ch30 Page 84 Line 31 6355-12
FY 2009 17,500,000 SLA 08 Ch29 Page 88 Line 9 4689-13
State of Alaska Capital Project Summary Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Final FY10 SB75 Capital Bill Reference No: 41789
5/20/09 1:37:01 PM Page 2

Recent Earthquake Activity Near Kodiak Island

Multiple earthquakes in the Kodiak vicinity raise concerns about conditions at the Narrow Cape fault which underlies the Kodiak Launch Complex. The potential for a large magnitude earthquake resulting in damage at the KLC is increasing at this time.
For more detailed information on the fault:
http://saltonstall.blogspot.com/2009/02/alaska-aerospace-kodiak-rocket-launch.html

12:47 PM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	3.47 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
12:03 PM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	3.05 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
11:59 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	3.78 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
11:23 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	4.51 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
10:41 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	3.86 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
10:38 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	3.62 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
10:24 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	4.65 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
10:15 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	2.74 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
09:53 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	2.93 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
09:38 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	4.25 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
03:26 AM AKDT Friday May 15th, 2009	2.44 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
03:57 PM AKDT Thursday May 14th, 2009	1.75 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
11:08 AM AKDT Thursday May 14th, 2009	1.26 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska
08:05 AM AKDT Thursday May 14th, 2009	1.29 ML	in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska

Kodiak Launch Complex Already Outdated & Obsolete?

Danger Room What’s Next in National Security

Top General: Missile Defense Is Dead, Long Live Missile Defense (Updated)

• By Nathan Hodge
• March 24, 2009 |

Ballistic missile defense as we know it is all but dead, one of the country’s top military just declared. But already, there are new anti-missile priorities taking shape.

General James Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, relayed the message yesterday to the defense industry. "Ballistic missiles are about as passé as e-mail," he said to an audience of missile-defense contractors. "Nobody does it anymore. It’s just gone… no stupid person, enemy out there would be so silly as to come at us with a minimum-energy trajectory. Give me a break. Even the people we would call ‘Third World’ have gone beyond that."

The administration of President George W. Bush poured around $10 billion a year into ballistic missile defense; it focused particular effort on fielding a limited missile defense capability that would protect the United States from a lone missile lobbed by a rogue state (i.e., North Korea). It also expended serious political capital trying to seal a politically controversial deal to station missile defense interceptors in Eastern Europe.

In theory, the European site was supposed to protect the United States and Europe from long-range ballistic missiles launched from the Middle East (although Iran has yet to acquire a missile that could reach the United States). Cartwright said missile defense funds would shift toward deterring more realistic threats. "The architecture associated with those terminal defense type capabilities, those area defense type capabilities that have the mobility and have the capability to be out there to address those threats are where we are going to start to put money," he said. "Because it is the most likely."

That’s good news for the developers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or Thaad, a "hit-to-kill" air defense system that can knock down short- and medium-range missiles at greater ranges and higher altitudes than the Patriot system. But it’s not so great for defense contractors who are designing far-out systems to destroy enemy missiles in the vulnerable "boost" phase. As Noah noted earlier today, one major boost-phase program is already in the crosshairs: the laser-equipped Boeing 747 that is supposed to zap missiles out of the sky as they rise from the launch pad.

Observers are also wondering what this shift means for Boeing’s Ground Based Midcourse Defense, or GMD. The Bush administration activated GMD at two sites, one in Alaska and one in California; according to Reuters, Cartwright said the future of the system would depend on whether it could counter other threats. "The more utility, the more willing you’re going to be to put money in it," he said.

Interestingly, Gen. Bantz Craddock, the head of U.S. European Command, said in written testimony submitted today that the U.S. Navy was studying the feasibility of stationing a missile-defense-capable Aegis ship to defend the Eastern Mediterranean region. In his testimony, Craddock said the Navy was leading an "urgent effort" to develop a command-and-control architecture for an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense ship operating in defense of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

At first glance, that sounds like a more realistic way to counter the Iran missile threat than deploying the long-range GMD system in Europe. The U.S. military has previously looked at the possibility of creating an "instant" ballistic-missile defense system by tying the land-based X-band radar developed for Thaad with sea-based radars and interceptors; Rick Lehner of the Missile Defense Agency told Danger Room a transportable X-band radar has been used in previous tests to provide cueing information to an Aegis ship which then used the data to perform a simulated launch and intercept.

UPDATE: The Obama administration is also picking up on a top complaint of the missile defense critics: namely, that missile defense testing isn’t real enough. Elaine Grossman of Global Security Newswire quotes Peter Verga, the acting deputy defense policy chief, as saying: "I think anything the test community can do to reassure people that the tests are, in fact, operationally realistic is very important."

PHOTO: U.S. Army

MDA Launch from Vandenburg AFB 05 May 2009

Vandenberg Delta II Launch For Missile Defense Agency Successful

Thu, 07 May '09

A Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Services Program lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA., Tuesday with a spacecraft for the United States Missile Defense Agency.

The spacecraft is called the Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction mission, or STSS-ATRR. Liftoff from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 occurred at 1:24 p.m. PDT.The launch vehicle was a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7920-10c. Spacecraft separation occurred approximately one hour after liftoff.

"With confirmation of the payload's delivery into the correct orbit, the launch is a success," said Chuck Dovale, launch director for the NASA's Launch Services Program.

NASA also will manage the launch of another mission for the Missile Defense Agency aboard a Delta II rocket this summer from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

AADC 2008 Lobbying Expenses

From Opensecrets.org

Alaska Aerospace Development Corp

A special interest’s lobbying activity may go up or down over time, depending on how much attention the federal government is giving their issues. Particularly active clients often retain multiple lobbying firms, each with a team of lobbyists, to press their case for them.

Year: 20092008200720062005200420032002200120001999

Total Lobbying Expenditures: $50,000
Subtotal for Parent Alaska Aerospace Development Corp: $50,000

Industry	Total
Defense Aerospace	$50,000

Lobbying Expenses Reported by Subsidiary Alaska Aerospace Development Corp

Firms Hired	Total Reported by Filer	Reported Contract Expenses (included in Total Reported by Filer)
Birch, Horton et al		$10,000
Cohen Group		$40,000

*Each quarterly filing is treated as a separate report, and each may mention multiple clients.

Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center.

Kodiak Launch Complex Caught in Time Warp - Next on LOST?

From the AADC FAQ page:

3. Q: When is your next launch date?

A:The next launch is scheduled for the fall of 2007.

Some sources suggest that the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation may be connected to the Dharma Initiative.

Science(?) Fiction from Sarah Palin: Launch Pad to Nowhere

Sarah Palin repeats the "build it and they will come" false rhetoric we've heard from AADC since 1995. "Significant Growth?" - only if the 17.5 million in state and federal funds AADC has received this year continues for years to come. And the growth will not be number of launches or more business; just a larger white elephant marring the Narrow Cape landscape. Expand the infrastructure for less than one launch per year on average for the life of the facility.
KLC is NOT the "best equipped [launch facility] anywhere": it does not have the capacity to store more than one rocket at any one time. And, try getting your personnel to Kodiak when Mt. Redoubt erupts ash and all the flights are grounded; or the fog rolls in and flights from Anchorage can't get in for days at a time.
The only launch customer for the KLC has been the U.S. government with all but one launch being overtly military. Keep in mind that while Governor Palin doesn't want to accept federal stimulus money for education, she has requested increased pork barrel funding for the KLC. Our fiscal conservative wants to spend more of your tax dollars on a facility that cannot even support itself with launch revenues. It's a kind of "launch pad to nowhere" scenario.

Sarah Palin Report

A Conservative Outlook
Friday, April 24, 2009
Kodiak Launch Complex

Governor Sarah Palin visited the Kodiak Launch Complex Thursday April 23, 2009 located at Narrow Cape, AK on Kodiak Island. KLC is poised for significant growth as the vital role of the space-based systems becomes increasingly important to our nation. The launch facility is the newest and best equipped anywhere. AADC will provide support for future MDA target missions as well as two missions with the United States Air Force in 2009.

The "Fault" Lies Within Our Launch Complex

Patrick Saltonstall illustrates the major shallow earthquake fault that runs directly through the Kodiak Launch Complex. The launch tower that was built at a cost of ten million dollars and used for only one launch stands almost directly on this fault. Hence the name commonly used by locals to refer to it: "Faulty Tower". Click on the title to go to his blog.

The Legislature Finally Says "No More Handouts, AADC"

It would appear that the Alaska Legislature finally wants AADC to pay its own way, and to prove it can actually attract launch contracts before giving them any more handouts. Apparently, "build it and they will come" no longer convinces anyone. Of course, AADC said that for the initial construction of the KLC and hardly anybody showed up. And those who did (military launches) were probably there only because ex-Senator (now convicted felon) Ted Stevens pressured the Pentagon to pay for the KLC and launch there. The DoD has admitted that they had/have no need for the KLC.
AADC has admitted that launch revenues have not covered the cost of operating the facility. They've been living off state and federal welfare since 1995. And you thought bailouts were something new........

No stimulus for AADC despite Palin push
Article published on Friday, February 27th, 2009
By HARRY DODGE
Mirror Writer

It does not appear that the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) will benefit from state stimulus money as was anticipated, Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation President Dale Nash told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly at a work session Thursday night.

It had been hoped that the KLC would get $35 million to fund planned expansion of the facility. In a Jan. 7 letter to Alaska’s congressional delegation, Gov. Sarah Palin named KLC among the state’s top five priorities for federal funding, calling it “important for the nation’s defense.”

“We are still hoping to get $7 million from the state,” Nash said.

Nash discussed the use of hydrazine at KLC. Hydrazine, a highly toxic compound, is a liquid propellant used primarily to power onboard thrusters of spacecraft. The fact that the fuel will be shipped on-island for an upcoming launch in September was a matter of concern for some citizens.

The KLC operations plan allows the storage of up to 10,000 pounds of hydrazine to be stored onsite, but Nash said the fuel is shipped to KLC for specific missions and is not stored long-term.

Hydrazine is not used in the launch process, Nash pointed out. This will not be hydrazine’s first appearance on the island. The fuel was used in the Kodiak Star launch, one of KLC’s earliest missions in 2001.

“Hydrazene is a highly toxic and volatile chemical” Pam Miller, director of the Alaska Community Action on Toxics, said in a telephone interview.
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“The greatest concern is transportation in and out of Kodiak. I feel that AADC isn’t being forthcoming with the community in how this is being handled,” Miller said.

Nash outlined plans to add a third launch pad and rocket storage facility that would make KLC the nation’s first rapid launch facility. The idea would be to store multiple rockets and payloads, so that a launch could be accomplished within 24 hours after notification.

There have been a total of 14 launches from KLC, and three more are planned between September and March of 2010.

Old KRLIG web site

Click on the title to view the old KRLIG website, last updated three years ago. Some relevant links at the bottom of the page are still active. Interestingly, we were saying back then that the only reason the KLC was ever built was due to former Senator (now convicted felon) Ted Stevens' backdoor pressure on the Pentagon; these charges have since been validated by the NY Times.

AADC Fails in Public Relations - No One Knows About the KLC!

Apparently, no one knows about the Kodiak Launch Complex which is, supposedly, a "commercial spaceport". Note that the New Mexico facility has already had several commercial launches since 2007. How many commercial launches has the KLC had since its inception: zip, zero, nada, 0.

US gives green light for first commercial spaceport

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light for the world's first commercial spaceport, New Mexico authorities said Thursday.

The FAA granted Spaceport America a license for vertical and horizontal space launches following an environmental impact study, according to the New Mexico Space Authority (NMSA).

"These two governmental approvals are the next steps along the road to a fully operational commercial spaceport," said NMSA Executive Director Steven Landeene.

"We are on track to begin construction in the first quarter of 2009, and have our facility completed as quickly as possible."

The terminal and hangar facility for horizontal launches is planned for completion by late 2010.

NMSA hopes to sign a lease agreement later this month with Virgin Galactic, a branch of Virgin Atlantic owned by British airline magnate Richard Branson. The firm's SpaceShipTwo passenger craft will be the main attraction at the site.

The system plans to take passengers approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) into the sky. Virgin Galactic plans to welcome 500 passengers per year who will pay 200,000 dollars each for a suborbital flight lasting three to four minutes.

There have been several commercial launches from the site since April 2007, with more launches planned.

Spaceport America has also been working closely with aerospace firms Lockheed Martin, Rocket Racing Inc./Armadillo Aerospace, UP Aerospace, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties.

The Russian federal space agency currently offers the only orbital space tourism flights aboard the Soyuz spacecraft, which allows passengers to visit the International Space Station (ISS) for several days. The price for the trip recently increased from 20 million dollars to 35 million dollars.