KSC shuttle runway

Nasa has signed a new agreement with aerospace and spaceport development authority Space Florida to transfer ownership of the shuttle landing facility.

Said to be the longest runways in the world, the facility is located near to Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The 30-year deal marks a key step in transforming the facility to a multi-user spaceport. Space Florida will be responsible for operations and management of the facility.

Nasa administrator Charles Bolden said: "Our journey to Mars goes straight through Florida, and this agreement helps amplify the many ways that our critical Kennedy Space Center can support the next generation of human spaceflight."

The facility was built in 1974 for space shuttles returning to Kennedy Space Center from orbit or other landing sites worldwide.

"This agreement helps amplify the many ways that our critical Kennedy Space Center can support the next generation of human spaceflight."

The 15,000ft-long runway surface has a high-friction concrete strip that maximises the braking ability of fast-landing spacecraft.

In 2011, the space shuttle Atlantis was the last one to use the facility, ending Nasa’s space shuttle programme.

The latest deal will support Florida with a horizontal launch capability, as well as create more than 200 new jobs in Brevard County.

Space Florida president and CEO Frank DiBello said: "The most storied runway in the world will now become the cornerstone of Florida’s next-generation commercial spaceport."

Space Florida will use the facility to test new technologies and serve various customers such as Just-In-Time delivery companies, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) systems, NASCAR, and a new series of space launch vehicles.

Image: Aerial view of the runway at the Kennedy Space Center shuttle landing facility. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.