On Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Halifax International Security Forum Maritime Launch Services announced its first launch customer and unveiled the preliminary design of its Launch Control Centre. The following day SpaceQ was offered the opportunity to fly over the area.
The Launch Control Centre (LCC) will be a multipurpose facility that will incorporate both public and private space. The private space being the LCC itself, a press briefing room and other rooms for MLS personnel. The LCC will also have an accessible visitors centre. The visitors centre will include interactive exhibits, a theatre, possibly a gift store, and a public launch viewing area.
The LCC will be 4.4 KM from the launch site. That’s just slightly closer when compared to the LCC at the Kennedy Space Center which is 4.8 KM to its famous launch pads 39A and B. This will make for great public viewing, yet still at a safe distance away.
The LCC is being positioned to allow direct “visual access to the Launch Compound and the associated Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) from the launch viewing deck and VIP facilities.” The LCC is about 29 metres above seas level while the HIF and Launch Compound are 25 metres above sea level.
While MLS will have the Horizontal Integration Facility and Launch Compound on leased Crown Land, the LCC will be on a 7 acre piece of private land the company has acquired and is shown below. The company recently began soil testing at the site for construction purposes.
Looking south of the LCC is the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) and Launch Compound. Below is an early (2018) artist illustration of the HIF. And below that is an aerial view of the approximate area of the HIF and Launch Compound. (click on image for larger version)
- Read our previous story with all the details of the announcement related to these images – Maritime Launch Services Nova Scotia spaceport development ramps up.