HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-015GDW RESOLUTION 70-15
WHEREAS the space shuttle -- a reusable low-cost rocket for ferrying
man and materials back and forth between earth and space stations --
is the next big essential piece of hardware for the U. S. space explora-
tion program; and
WHEREAS the Kennedy Space Center is the most modern and complete space-
® port in the world; and
WHEREAS almost $1 billion is already invested in the extensive facilities
at the Kennedy Spdce Center; and
14HEREAS these facilities include extensive assembly, pre -launch checkout,
cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen storage, launch and support capabilities; and
WHEREAS a down range tracking (after launch) capability exists at the
nearby Eastern Test Range facility; and
141LEREAS a 10,000 foot runway for landing and returning the booster and
orbit stage is in existence; and
WHEREAS a highly skilled team of 18,000 operations, maintenance and assembly
personnel are at the Cape; and
WHEREAS the launch of space shuttles over the water add immeasurably to the
safety of development flights of the system; and
WHEREAS advantage can be taken of existing facilities for assembly of
vehicles after delivery and refurbishment of vehicles after each flight; and
MEREAS Cape Kennedy is easily accessible by all modes of transportation; and
W'.i!:-M%S construction costs in the area are cheaper t:, n other areas of the
.:ountry which might be possibly considered; and
1411MAS theru are huge tracts of government land available for expansion
if needed; and
UM -REAS the educational support and opportunities provided by higher educa-
tional institutions in the immediate area and throughout Florida have and
will continue to contribute significantly to the success of NASA and
industry; and
WHEREAS the Kennedy Space Center offers a unique aggregate of facilities
which are not available at any other possible site for development and
operational flights of the space shuttle system at minimum cost to the U. S.
taxpayer; and
WHEREAS the House Science and Astronautics Conanittea in its report on the
Fiscal 1971 budget stated that "maximum use should be made of existing
facilities to support the space shuttle program" and that "the extensive
launch and checkout capabilities at the Kennedy Space Center... should receive
early and most careful consideration": Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County
hereby request the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to
designate Cape Kennedy as the operational base for the space shuttle system.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the
President of the United States, the Director of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, President of the United States Senate, Speaker of
the United States House of Representative and to each member of the
Appropriations and Aeronautical and Space Sciences Committees of the United
States Senate and the Appropriations and Science and Astronautics Committees
of the United States House of Representatives.
Adopted this Eighth day of April , 1970.