Active

Contract Opportunity

Solicitation:

RFI-KSC-LC48-2023

Agency/Office:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Center Planning and Development (AD)

Location:

Kennedy Space Center, FL

Title:

Request for Information – Concepts for Operation and Utilization of Launch Complex 48 (LC-48); includes North and South sites located on the complex

Description(s):

Introduction: The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is the world’s premier multi-user spaceport. The KSC Master Plan (https://masterplan.ksc.nasa.gov/) guides KSC’s development as a multi-user spaceport, which supports government, commercial, and other space launch users, and providers. The KSC Center Planning and Development Directorate is responsible for implementing and administering the KSC Master Plan and conducts market research periodically to solicit industry feedback.

This Request for Information (RFI) concerns Launch Complex 48 (LC-48), which NASA developed to support and encourage growth of the emerging small class launch vehicle industry and the small satellite industry. LC-48 is situated between Launch Complexes 39A and 41. It is divided into two approximately equal areas: a 10.85 acre developed launch pad to the north and an approximately 11-acre undeveloped parcel to the south that can accommodate a similarly sized launch pad. LC-48 is accessible only through KSC’s secured perimeter. Accordingly, NASA procedures and policies regarding badging, background investigation requirements, foreign national access, and unescorted access to controlled areas apply.

LC-48 North – This site is capable of supporting vehicles with a maximum gross liftoff weight of 300,000 pounds, a maximum of 500,000 pounds of vehicle thrust, and a maximum Net Explosive Weight of 30,000 pounds. If additional Net Explosive Weight for a particular proposed launch vehicle could exceed 30,000 pounds, additional analysis would be required to determine if the vehicle could safely launch from LC48. It can be used for launch or testing operations. NASA designed LC-48 as a “clean pad” offering approximately 30,000 square feet of paved area available for the launch system, ground support equipment and separated areas for fuel and oxidizer placement. NASA envisioned launch service providers would transport, configure, and remove their equipment upon completion of activities.

LC-48 South – This parcel is vacant, undeveloped land that could support launch operations for an additional small class launch vehicle, provided that it meets similar weight and thrust constraints identified for LC-48 North to avoid exceeding Quantity-Distance (QD) limits that could impact nearby operations.

Purpose of this RFI:

The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information on the following:

1. Launch site operator interest in, and concepts for managing, LC-48 and


2. Infrastructure requirements for launch service providers to perform operations at LC-48. LC-48 can accommodate multiple users performing concurrent activities, and LC-48 North must be operated as a multiuser launch site.

For purposes of this RFI, a “launch vehicle operator” is defined as an organization that will perform test or launch operations. A “launch site operator” is defined as an organization that will manage the day-to-day operations of a launch pad but will not perform test or launch operations. A launch site operator would be responsible for coordination of all launch and other activities on LC-48 with other NASA and U.S. Space Force operations. A launch site operator would also be responsible for funding any additional infrastructure and facilities in support of LC-48 activities.

NASA might, for example, consider the following arrangements for operating LC-48: (1) a launch site operator for both the North and South sites as multiuser launch sites, (2) a launch site operator at LC-48 North as a multiuser site and LC-48 South as an exclusive use site for a launch service provider, or (3) a launch site operator developing and operating only one of the LC-48 launch sites independently from the other.

If NASA were to offer control of LC-48 to a launch site operator, the launch site operator will be responsible for operations and maintenance of the facility and equipment, as well as resource protection. NASA will retain land ownership of LC-48. NASA will not consider proposals for use that will preclude others from using LC-48 North since it is designated as a multiuser launch site. Launch Complex 48 in its entirety can accommodate multiple users performing concurrent activities. In its Environmental Assessment for LC-48, NASA considered a limit of 52 launches per year for each site, LC-48 North and LC-48 South. If the number of launches at LC-48 were to exceed that limit, it would be necessary to revise the Environmental Assessment. Additional assessments may be required for operations not addressed in the existing EA.

All launches or other activities must be coordinated with all other NASA and U.S. Space Force operations at KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Information Sought:

Responses to this RFI shall address the following information, as applicable:

Launch Site Operator Information:

1. Describe the proposed uses of LC-48 and any known specific requirements (i.e., number of launches, schedule, connectivity, infrastructure, personnel, network connectivity, hardware, ground support equipment, support facilities, and software compatibility). Discuss any concepts regarding the shared-use of common areas within LC-48.

1. Describe the technical approach, including a general concept of operations, projected schedule for initial use of LC-48, and frequency and duration for subsequent repeat uses. Include both expected launch activity and development testing (non-launch) activity on the projected schedule.

1. Identify whether the proposed use would consist of a clean pad concept or require additional support facilities and/or infrastructure. Support facilities include but are not limited to an integration facility, refurbishment facility, processing facility, or operations/control room. Identify commodities, explosives, and propellants (maximum quantities, pressures, planned locations) associated with each support facility and planned procedures (e.g., whether fueling would take place in the support facility).

1. Describe any potential infrastructure additions or modifications to LC-48 North or South and nearby NASA roads that may be required. Proposed new construction or modifications will require NASA review and approval.

1. Describe any expected limitations, restrictions, or hazards that may impact organizations within and outside the LC-48 Complex (e.g., other LC-48 North or South users or customers), including any risk mitigation approaches that may be requested to facilitate concurrent usage by multiple customers at LC-48.

1. Describe any conceptual vehicle landing operations.

1. Describe the expected launch service customer base, including the expected percentage of commercial launch service customers and government launch service customers.

1. Provide a general timeline including a target date for commencing operations at LC-48.

1. Describe approach to managing the daily activities at LC-48. This includes items such as scheduling, maintenance activities, and conflict resolution methodology.

1. Describe whether an FAA site operator license will be obtained and which license.

1. Describe approach to prioritization of launch service providers’ usage of LC-48.


2. Describe prior experiences, if any, in managing multiple customers, emergency management, and launch and test operations or other relevant projects.

Launch Vehicle Operator Information:

1. Describe the proposed uses of LC-48 and any known specific requirements (i.e., number of launches, schedule, connectivity, infrastructure, personnel, network connectivity, hardware, ground support equipment, support facilities, and software compatibility). Discuss any concepts regarding the shared-use of common areas within LC-48.

2. Describe the technical approach, including a general concept of operations, projected schedule for initial use of LC-48, and frequency and duration for subsequent repeat uses. Include both expected launch activity and development testing (non-launch) activity on the projected schedule.

3. Identify whether the proposed use would consist of a clean pad concept or require additional support facilities and/or infrastructure. Support facilities include but are not limited to an integration facility, refurbishment facility, processing facility, or operations/control room. Identify commodities, explosives, and propellants (maximum quantities, pressures, and planned locations) associated with each support facility and planned procedures (e.g., whether fueling would take place in the support facility).

4. Describe any potential modifications to LC-48 North or South and nearby NASA roads and infrastructure that may be required. Proposed modifications will require NASA review and approval to ensure compatibility and compliance.

5. Describe any expected limitations, restrictions, or hazards that may impact other organizations within and outside the LC-48 Complex (e.g., other LC-48 North or South users or customers), including any risk mitigation approaches that may be requested to facilitate concurrent usage by multiple customers at LC-48.

6. Describe any conceptual vehicle landing operations.

7. Describe the expected launch service customer base, including the expected percentage of commercial launch service customers and government launch service customers.

8. Describe whether an FAA vehicle operator license will be obtained.

9. Describe prior experiences in: pre-launch preparations, launch countdown activity, flight control operations, recovery, control/operator, or other relevant projects.

10. Provide a general timeline including a target date for commencing operations at LC-48.

Response Instructions: U.S. entities including commercial, federal, and state organizations, and United States Commercial Providers as defined in the Space Commerce Act, 51 U.S.C. section 50101(7), are invited to submit responses to this RFI.

All responses must be submitted as an electronic file in Portable Document Format (PDF) via email to the NASA Point of Contact identified below.

Responses should not exceed twenty (20) pages. Font should be Times New Roman, size 12. Responses must be received by the NASA Point of Contact no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Time on April 11, 2023.

It is not NASA’s intent to publicly disclose responses or proprietary information obtained through this RFI; therefore, responses should clearly identify such information as proprietary. NASA will protect such data from public disclosure to the extent permitted under the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations.

NASA has no intent to reply to individual responses but reserves the right to conduct follow-up interviews with respondents, if needed.

Additional Information: NASA requests this information for planning purposes only. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, Request for Quotations, or Announcement for Proposals. This RFI is not an offer or commitment by the Government to enter into a contract or other type of agreement. Moreover, the Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will the Government reimburse respondents for costs incurred to prepare responses to this RFI.

NASA will use the RFI responses to define requirements for use of LC-48, gauge market interest in the use and operation of LC-48 and determine whether it is in the Government’s best interest to issue a competitive Announcement for Proposal (AFP) for use or operation of LC-48.

NASA reserves the right to amend or withdraw this RFI at any time. NASA KSC seeks to ensure broad awareness and visibility of this RFI; however, it is each respondent’s responsibility to monitor the SAM.gov website for additional information or amendments to this RFI.

Point of Contact

Name: Christina Williams

Title: Partnership Agreements Manager

E-mail: Christina.L.Williams@nasa.gov

Phone: 321-863-6450

Attachments/Links