Preparing For Transportation Of Blue Origin's New Glenn Rockets

The area around the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is set for millions of dollars of infrastructure improvements as the region prepares for the transportation of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket from the company's manufacturing facility to the launch pad.

Florida Today reports that documents have been filed with the St. Johns River Water Management District for permits to begin the work. Eventually, the project will encompass about 30 miles of roads for the transport of New Glenn boosters to the launch facility and then back to the factory just outside the KSC main gate for refurbishment.

Blue Origin told Florida Today that hundreds of changes will be required at 27 sites along the route, including road widening, moving traffic lights, and other considerations to accomodate large vehicles. The New Glenn booster is 200 feet long before any payload is added to the spacecraft.

The total cost of the project is estimated at about $4.5 million, according to Space Florida. Some $2.7 million will come from the Florida Department of Transportation, with Blue Origin picking up the remainder of the tab.

Multiple agencies, including NASA, the USAF, Port Canaveral, and the Florida DOT have all been involved in the project, as has rival commercial space company SpaceX.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report