Alaska KLC

Lockheed Martin has selected Alaska’s Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) as its West Coast launch facility for future Athena rocket launches, which will utilise expanded medium-lift launch capabilities to launch orbital payloads weighing about 13,000lbs.

The company’s decision will also enable Alaska Aerospace to advance its plans of expanding space launch capabilities, which can currently handle small life launches.

Lockheed Martin has been working with the state of Alaska and Alaska Aerospace regarding expansion plans for the new medium-lift launch pad to support Athena III launches.

John Karas, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Human Space Flight vice president and general manager, said: "Our nation needs affordable lift to meet current and projected demands at a time of declining budgets and economic pressures."

Last year, the company had announced its plan to offer Athena II services with a ride-share launch from Kodiak in late 2013.

It is considering whether to expand the Athena II programme as it evaluates the business case for Athena III launches from Alaska.

The Athena III rocket is capable of launching satellites weighing 4,600kg (10,150lbs) from the West Coast and 5,900kg (13,000lbs) from the East Coast and plans for Athena III will be finalised over the next few months.

Dale Nash, Alaska Aerospace chief executive officer, said: "We are very pleased at the opportunity to expand our relationship with Lockheed Martin as we pursue medium-lift launches out of Kodiak."

Nash continued: "Lockheed Martin has been involved with Alaska Aerospace for more than a decade, beginning with the NASA Kodiak Star Athena I launch in 2001.

"As we move forward together, we anticipate regular launches of Athena rockets from KLC. This will benefit both the nation and Alaska as work content and the associated jobs develop within the state."

 

Image: Lockheed Martin will launch future Athena rockets from Alaska’s Kodiak Launch Complex. Source: james.gordon6108