Ukrainian launch vehicle developer was approval to use a launch pad at USA

Photo: spacenews

Ukraine has the opportunity to regain leadership in the space industry, thanks to the recent allocation of the space company FireFly Aerospace, owned by the Ukrainian Max Polyakov.

The company became the second in the world, which can manage the launch pad in the US. It was reported by Space News.

«The potential of Ukrainian developers and space technologies can make our country a world leader, but till this time Ukraine did not have its own site for testing and launching. The acquisition of the launch pad can give a tremendous impetus to global positive changes. But, only our efforts to change the system on the country’ level is not enough.

We, as a private company, invest huge material and human resources into creating conditions for development, but legislative support and the creation of market conditions inside the country, as it happens in other countries, is the task of the state. In our country there were a lot of projects in the space industry, which, unfortunately, were not realized for various reasons. We hope Ukraine will be able to look at the experience of other countries, for example, the United States, where at one time they bet on attracting private investors and the development of private space, and the results now can be seen by the whole world», – Max Polyakov said.

Firefly Aerospace will take over the pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base (Virginia), for the nearest Delta 2 launch (in September 2018). Soon after the final launch of Delta 2, FireFly Aerospace will get a platform for its Alpha and Beta launch vehicles.

Firefly AeroSpace said the Air Force had issued a “Statement of Support” to transfer Space Launch Complex 2 West (SLC-2W) at Vandenberg to the company for use by the company’s Alpha and Beta launch vehicles.

Brad Obrocto, director of launch operations at Firefly, told that the company expects to take over the pad shortly after that final Delta 2 launch: «We will also be working with the range to detail requirements for all systems that will be involved with launches from SLC-2W. We will be working closely with our partners in the USAF and NASA to ensure a smooth and successful transition».

He said that the company expects to maintain much of the existing infrastructure at the site, with “minimal rework” needed to support Alpha launches.

In case of the final Delta 2 launches be on schedule, Firefly expects to take over the starting pad for a first Alpha launch in time – in the third quarter of 2019. The company expects to be able to perform monthly launches of the vehicle by the end of 2020.