KSC-2011-7597

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility-3 (OPF-3) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, officials pose for a portrait proceeding the announcement of the signing of an innovative agreement between NASA and Space Florida. From left are, Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida, Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, chairwoman of Space Florida, Robert Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director, Lori Garver, NASA’s deputy administrator, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, John Elbon, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Space Exploration, Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, Florida Congressman Bill Posey, Florida Representative Sandy Adams, and John Mulholland, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Crew Programs. NASA announced a partnership with Space Florida to occupy, use and modify Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-3 (OPF-3), the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility and Processing Control Center. Space Florida has an agreement for use of the OPF-3 with the Boeing Company to manufacture and test the company's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft. The 15-year use permit deal is the latest step Kennedy is making as the center transitions from a historically government-only launch complex to a multi-user spaceport. For more information, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_exploration_commercial_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett