Tags: United Launch Aliance, Boeing, Atlas V, Cape Canaveral
Publication: FloridaToday.com
Publication Date: 11/06/2012

Atlas V lifts off from the Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral in June. Image credit: ULA

United Launch Alliance is expected to officially announce Hensel Phelps Construction Co. to redesign an Air Force’s Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral. The restructuring, in partnership with Boeing, is meant to enable commercial crew missions on the Atlas V rocket.

The restructuring is scheduled to last 21 months and it is likely to bring between 250 and 300 new jobs to Brevard County, FL Aerospace and construction professionals will work together to supply the complex with an access tower and arm, and an emergency escape system to allow astronauts to enter the spacecraft and exit safely in case of danger. Additionally, the team will develop a safe haven area for the support personnel and crew to take shelter before fully evacuating the launch pad.

Boeing has vested interest in ULA’s redesign of the launch complex since its CST-100 capsule fit for manned missions would launch atop an Atlas V. SpaceX, Sierra Nevada and Boeing are the three companies contracted by NASA to develop a commercial crew spacecraft after the shuttle’s retirement. The firms are set to have them ready by May 2014.

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