KSC fits into the overall NASA vision and mission by moving forward so that what we do and learn will benefit all here on Earth. In January of last year, KSC revised its Mission and Vision statements to articulate our identity as we align with this new direction the Agency is heading. Currently KSC is endeavoring to form partnerships with industry, , Government, and academia, utilizing institutional assets and technical capabilities to support current and future m!issions. With a goal of safe, low-cost, and readily available access to space, KSC seeks to leverage emerging industries to initiate development of a new space launch system, oversee the development of a multipurpose crew vehicle, and assist with the efficient and timely evolution of commercial crew transportation capabilities. At the same time, KSC is pursuing modernizing the Center's infrastructure and creating a multi-user launch complex with increased onsite processing and integration capabilities

Chevalier, Mary Ann

Hurst, Chery

Petro, Janet

NASA Technical Reports Server

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KSC- America's Gateway to Space
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This is a very challEfnging time for all of us at NASA. Due to shifts in priorities, policies,
and budgetary constraints, NASA is having to reinvent itself-and as a result, KSC must
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do the same. :
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We are in the mid~t of re-defining what we do andjOW we do it.
The great thing ab~ut that is that we have the opp rtunity to shape the future.
define America's future in space.
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We can
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20110015638 2019-08-30T17:15:38+00:00Z
KSC Moving into ~he Future - "We're not closing",
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KSC fits into the;overall NASA vision and mis1sion by moving forward so
that what we dq and learn will benefit all h~re on Earth. In January of last
year, KSC revised its Mission and Vision stat~ments to articulate our
identity as we align with this new direction the Agency is heading.
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Currently KSC is1endeavoring to form partne'rships with industry,
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Government, arid academia, utilizing institutional assets and technical
capabilities to silipport current and future m!issions. With a goal of safe,
low-cost, and re:adily available access to spa e, KSC seeks to leverage
emerging industries to initiate development! of a new space launch system,
oversee the development of a multipurpose crew vehicle, and assist with
the efficient and timely evolution of commercial crew transportation
capabilities. At the same time, KSC is pursuing modernizing the Center's
infrastructure a~d creating a multi-user lau~ch complex with increased on-
site processing ~nd integration capabilities. i
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,KSC Overarching Goals I
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Ensure mission su2cess by providing government a Id commercial access to space. - To
do this, we will create operational services that wotlld benefit multiple users,
proactively capturing commercial partnerships, and ultimately making KSC
commercially frien~ly.
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Develop, operate, and sustain a robust launch complex for all providers. - Transforming
KSC into the premi~r21st Century Launch Complex yvill enable processing and launch of
one government apd two or more commerciallaunfh systems from Launch Complex
39, and will enabl~ four or more government or cormercial customers operating from
the Shuttle Landing Facility.
Conduct research ~nd technology development to enable mission success. - KSC will
enhance the Rese~rch & Technology efforts current1y underway, and will expand in
areas within KSC's ~raditional expertise and beyond.
Provide a robust i~stitution to enable success. - To ~each this goal, we need to
transform our org~nizationand institutional serviceF., and we must be able to preserve
our talented workforce by attracting highly skilled ~usinesses to the area.
Inspire, engage an9 educate through enriching programs, internships, and mutually
beneficial partnerships. - In 2010 we created the Kennedy Educate to Innovate program
in which employe~s have been trained and given tools to conduct outreach to schools
based on topics reiated to science, technology, engineering, and math. We are reaching
out into our comm;unities, to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists and
engineers.
KSC Priorities
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Close-out Shuttle frogram - Just finished safely launching/landing the final mission,
transition and retire orbiters, support vehicles move to new homes for display and
education
LSP- Our Launch S~rvices Program (LSP) will contin e to launch NASA payloads with
expendable rockets to study our universe. We have hree launches remaining this year,
and are working more than 40 future missions.
GRAil, targeted to launch Sept. 8, 2011-- ULA Delta II Heavy from Cape
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Canaveral Air Force Station
NP~, targeted to launch Oct. 25, 201:1
Ma~s Science laboratory, targeted t~ launch Nov. 25, 2011 -- United
Launch Alliance At~as V from Cape Canaveral Air F01ce Station
ISS - With the extension of the ISS, American astronauts will be living and working in
space to advance 1uman space exploration technology until at least 2020. KSC will
continue to proceS]S and launch the payloads in preparation for flight to the ISS. NASA
has already procured 20 commercial cargo resupply transportation missions to the ISS
that will launch fr~m 2012-2015, 12 of which willlaiunch from KSC
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KSC Challenges
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KSC is facing a branq new environment which includes many changes
Cultural changes - 1~c1ude the end of a 30-year progra~, loss of a mission, future path getting
clearer but not completely defined, loss of personnel wi h certain experience base and skill
sets. Cultural changes are the hardest to overcome. KSC will focus on what we can control in
uncertain times, lay put a potential path and communic~te that direction to all internal and
external stakeholde~s
Programmatic evolution - New era of commercial crew (CCP), shared resources between
government and commercial entities (21CGP), continued support for ISS, requirement for
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Budget constraints ~ Overarching austere times in the U.S. economy, continuing resolutions
versus an approved budget, elMO shortfalls, Governme t shutdown, etc. all have an impact on
future programs, construction, and workforce shaping. :Budget shortfalls must be dealt with
by evolving how we po business. KSC will become more efficient with the recourses we have
(including dollars, fa\=ilities, and people). .
Economic Climate -1fhe White House and Congress are committed to fiscal reform. More
reductions in any finel budget are a decided possibility. The Space Coast economic climate is
still very volatile an~ intrinsically tied to KSC. I
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Workforce Changes~-There will be major job loss created by the end of the Shuttle Program.
Projected numbers are 7,000-9,000 direct, and an addit Jonal12,OOO to 16,000 indirect (based
on Brevard Workforce projections). KSC is working with various outside organizations to try to
find these skilled workers new employment. No current industry can prOVide the number of
jobs that NASA has provided in the past. Some impacts are that people will potentially leave
the area due to no oir under-employment. This has the 1D0tentiai to create a loss of critical skills
and core competenoies that could effect the ability to support programs and/or commercial
contracts as we mov.e forward.
Facility Usage and ~aintenance - Constant maintenancb is required to sustain all KSC facilities
due to weather/loc~tion. Upgrades are needed to mov~ the Center to a "21st Century Launch
Complex" configura~ion and a green/sustainable spacepprt of the future which can support
both government and commercial requirements. t
KSC Opportunities
Commercial Space Initiative - KSC will help facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space
transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable, and cost effective access to and from Low Earth
Orbit and the Internatio~al Space Station. Once the capability is matured and expected to be available to the
government and other cwstomers, NASA could purchase commercial services to meet its ISS crew transportation
needs. Enabling commet-cial space is a cultural shift for NASA and KSC will playa vital part.
Multi-user Space Launc~ Complex - KSC's role as a traditional one-system launch complex is transforming to
become a true spacepo~supporting multiple users -programmatic, commercial, & public.
Business Development ~!The new Agency direction significantly incr~ases KSC's need for proactive, integrated
business planning and d~velopment. This is a fundamental change i~ how NASA does business with commercial
entities. By "marketing" our Center capabilities vs. directed use, we can capitalize on ALL the Center's capabilities,
not just launch infrastru<;ture. KSC is seeking to identify potential industry interest in some agency real property
asset. The notice that went out describes assets that are currently, or will soon become, underutilized as a result of
the transition from the space Shuttle Program to the future mission ,activities.
Creative Partnerships - ~SC is striving to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. Currently we have a
wonderful working relationship with Space Florida to assist us in our:partnership creation opportunities. A couple
of examples are, our partnership with the Florida Power and Light Ccmpany, which constructed two photovoltaic
generation systems on K$C property-one of which provides 1% of ~SC's electricity, and the other provides 1,100
homes worth of power. And Starfighters, Inc., a Tarpon Springs, Florida-based company that is utilizing KSC's
Shuttle Landing Facility f~r training endeavors with its fleet of Starfighter jets.
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Promote Cultural Shift - KSC must position the Center for implemen ation of new/ongoing NASA goals and
objectives. This has created a very dynamic environment and we are making the adjustments necessary to support
new missions and/or programs.
KSC will utilize the "6 C'~" to help a culture shift to occur - Confront' reality: end of Shuttle, maintain worker skill
sets, cancellation of Con~tellation,contractor layoffs, civil service planning and repurposing
Courageous conversations: talk, explain the NASA/KSC role in future space operations, be mindful of legislative
sensitivity, consistent mE:ssage for internal and external audiences. Constant transition and change: NASA's
direction can change, it's an unclear future, KSC will chart a path, mcJintain a clear consistent message.
Commitment/conviction! distraction due to end of 30 year program/re-affirm commitment of all workers is
ongoing, safety first alwClYs. Care of yourself: take time for you, phys'cal and emotional support available.
Collaboration: partnerships with commercial entities are challengin~, government brings regulation and gUidelines
that can restrict the space industries bottom line, partner not comp~te with other NASA Centers and government
agencies.
To create a viable future KSC is and will continue to turn our challenges
and opportunit~es into "marketable" capa~i1ities
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Commercial Crew
Commercial Crew Program Office established at KSC
Commercial Crew ~s designed to accommodate a diverse group of people for ISS
operations, scienc~, research, and tourism
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Successful Commercial Crew will:
Tra~sform human spaceflight for fut re generations
Result in safe, reliable, cost effective crew transportation to Low Earth
Orb'it (LEO) and in support of ISS
Fre, NASA's limited resources for beyond-LEO exploration
Rediuce reliance on foreign systems ,
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Awarded four Space Act AgreementQ (SAAs) in April 2011 as part of
ICCqev2 effort:
Blue Origin - $22 million
Sier:ra Nevada Corporation - $80 million
Space Exploration Technologies (Spa~eX) - $75 million
Thel Boeing Company - $92.3 million'
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Human EXPlorati~n Capability ,
Develop the launch and spaceflight vehicles that will provide the initial capability for crewed
exploration mission~ beyond LEO. In particular, the Spac,e Launch System (SLS) program will
develop the heavy lift vehicle that will launch the crew vehicle, other modules and cargo for
these missions. The Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MCPV~ program develops the vehicle that will
carry the crew to orhit, provides emergency abort capa~ility, sustain the crew while in space,
and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.
Space Launch SysteT Program: ,
• Heavy Lift Launctil Vehicle with an initial lift capability of 70-100mt evolvable to the ultimate
capability to 130mT!
• Reference Vehicl~ Design is derived from legacy hardware
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• Capability to lift ~he MPCV 1
• Capabilities to bE\ a backup system for ISS cargo and trew delivery
Multi-Purpose crew;vehicle Program: !
• Spacecraft to serve as the primary crew vehicle for missions beyond LEO
• Capable of cond~ctingregular in-space operations (rendezvous, docking, extravehicular
activity) in conjunction with payloads delivered by SLS for missions beyond LEO
• Capability to be ~ backup system for ISS cargo and crew delivery
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Responsibilities: i
Space Launch SystetrJ Program Office (MSFC): develop t~e heavy lift launch vehicle elements,
formulation team eQtablished to develop program struc ure and interfaces - KSC is an active
member of the formulation team f
KSC Project Office: Provide end-to-end project management for the ground infrastructure
development and grpund processing operations in suppprt of the heavy lift and multi-purpose
crew vehicles; develpp flight-to-ground interface and test and verification requirements;
influence flight and ¢round hardware and software designs for efficient and cost-effective
sustained operation~; provide programmatic support to Ithe Space Launch System, 21st CSLC
and MPCV Program~; leverage institutional technical resources
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21st Century Ground Systen\s Program - A Flexible Approach t a Multi-user launch Complex
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The NASA Authorization Ac~of 2010 includes modernizing KSC launch faciliti~S to accommodate future commercial activities. We
want to take a flexible approach to satisfy the requirements of multiple users and become the world's premier launch complex.
The Florida Launch and Range Complex will be transformed into a futuristic launch facility by NASA's 21st Century Ground Systems
Program.
The primary purpose of this!program is to prepare the infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center needed to enable processing
and launch of the Space Launch System. The Program, designed to makeover the Center, will align with the needs of civil, national
security, and commercial e~terprises - ultimately extending to the international space community.
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KSC's 21st Century Ground Systems Program will modify our facilitie~ for NASA to explore beyond LEO with an evolvable
heavy lift vehicle (SLS) and crew capsule (MPCV) while also enabling tommercial space.
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• Commercial capabilities will include test support, small sounding roc ets, horizontal launch and recovery.
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• We will also be partnering with commercial, 000, state and federal 'lgencies to prioritize and modernize launch assets;
jointly improve command, control, communication and range infrastructure; and prOVide the capability to support
production, processing, and recovery of space systems.
Workforce Cap~bilities
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Our people are OUf greatest asset. KSC employs ov~r 2,100 civil servants and
approximately 11,900 on-or near-site support cont actors.
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While the skill sets, of the workforce are diverse, some of the largest groups include
engineers, scientisfs, and technicians. Using these highly trained personnel, with
specialized expertise, KSC remains a leader in launch, launch vehicle processing, and
cutting-edge resea~ch and development in areas of:physics, chemistry, technology,
prototype designing, engineering, integration and t~sting, remediation and ecosystem
science, and in-sit~ resource utilization. I
Nearly 62 out of every 1,000 Space Coast residents'is an engineer-one of the highest
concentrations in t1he nation.
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Technological C~pabilities
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KSC is not widely known for early stage technology tlevelopment, but we have
significant experience in developing technologies that can be applied to real life
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Examples include: 1
Novel smart (Self-I;lealing) coating development with microcapsules that change color
to indicate corrosion !
Wire fault detecti~n and Self-Repair I
Electrodynamic dust shield technology for self-c1ea?ing surfaces
Human robotic systems
Cryogenic orbital testing capabilities such as potent.ial future missions like CRYOTE
provide a low-risk ~nvironment to demonstrate a broad array of critical cryo-fluid
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management technologies that can't be tested in Earth's gravity.
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This type of experi~nce in technology developmentiand space processing can be used
as a resource for b~th our commercial and govern1net partners.
Partnership Opportunities - Center Planni
(CPDO) Forging ,Partnerships
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To help KSC move forward, the Center Planning and; Development Office was formed in
October 2008 to act as KSC's "Front Door" for interrction with entities wanting to
engage in new business, which has placed an incre sed focus on enabling commercial
space transportation and other services. The missialn of CPDO is to facilitate retention
of the highly skilled aerospace workforce, as well as KSC's facility assets by attracting
new business to establish a presence on or near KS~.
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KSC and Space Flo~ida have targeted ten market areas that align with the Center's
mission and vision. Space Transportation & Technologies Support Systems - Satellite
Systems and Payloads - Ground & Operations SUPP9rt Systems - Agriculture, Climate &
Environmental Moritoring - Civil Protection & Emengency Management - ISS and
Human Life Scienc~s - Communications, Cybersecu~ityand Robotics - Adventure
Tourism - Clean Energy - Advanced Materials & New Products. Throughout all of 2010
and moving forwa~d in 2011, CPDO has engaged in tJiscussions with more than 100
potential industry partners regarding their company-specific needs and requirements
that might be met:by utilizing the center's unique f~cilities and capabilities. They
provided more tha;n 50 tours to interested parties, and by year-end, Kennedy was
engaged in activel~ exploring more than 50 potenti~1 partnerships.; I
Current partnership opportunities include - Space Act Agreement recently signed with
Sierra Nevada, ongoing negotiations with potential partners continue. In August 2010,
the Federal Aviatiqn Administration (FAA) established a new university-led Center of
Excellence (COE) f9r Commercial Space Transportation to perform research and
development to help build a safe and strong U.S. commercial space industry. KSC also
worked with the Fft.A's Office of Commercial Space ransportation regarding plans to
establish an FAA T~chnical Center at the Center stariting in FY2012.
The Future
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In the months ahead, KSC will continue to develop new plans and realign our
organizations and processes to support NASA's new direction. While the times may be
challenging, they alre also exciting. The planning we, have done over the past year has
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made KSC well-equipped to move forward in this new direction.
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• Kennedy SRace Center will emerge as the launch complex ofthe future,
designed t~ serve the needs of the worldwi~eaerospace community.
• As a result pf successful planning, we will move KSC to occupy a broader, bolder
place within the worldwide space community, supporting a variety of private
and public fustomers. I
• The Center\has the capabilities, facilities an~ highly skilled workforce to provide
unique and; significant skills to the space corpmunity. And has the capabilities
to make aCfessing space less costly and moJ~ routine.
• NASA will c~>ntinue to explore beyond low-E rth orbit, and that effort will
continue to launch from KSC.



Kennedy Space Center - "America's Gateway to Space"

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