by: Max Marbut Associate Editor

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority executed a preliminary agreement Feb. 9 to lease technology development facilities at Cecil Spaceport to Space Engine Systems, a Canadian aerospace company that is developing a reusable propulsion system.

Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Space Engine Systems’ goal is to design a single-stage-to-orbit cruise vehicle launched horizontally that is capable of flight up to hypersonic speeds, according to a JAA news release.

The spaceport, part of Cecil Airport in West Jacksonville, comprises an 18,200-square-foot hangar, 1,582-square-foot launch operations center and an 880-square-foot office.

When a final agreement is reached, Cecil Spaceport will function as Space Engine Systems’ North American operation.

“Development of Space Engine Systems’ propulsion technologies program exemplifies the type of operations Cecil Air and Spaceport was developed to facilitate,” said Todd Lindner, director of Cecil Spaceport, in the release. 

“Florida is an excellent location for our plans in the US where we plan to set up both ground and launch facilities. We will bring in several highly trained space/aerospace personnel to Florida shortly,” said Pradeep Dass, president and chief technology officer of SES, in a news release posted at spaceenginesystems.com.

Cecil Spaceport has one tenant – Generation Orbit – and is in discussions with two other launch-related companies.

Source: JAX Daily Record