A new space exploration and rocket design company plans to use the Space Coast in the future.
- Vector plans to build, launch rockets on Space Coast
- Company says it rockets are smaller and cheaper to make
- Vector hopes to bring jobs and boost tourism
Vector, a company based in Tucson, Ariz., shared a behind-the-scenes look at its newest project—one it believes will bring more launches and tourism.
Its new design for a rocket is expected to help make that happen.
The Vector-R rocket is one of the smallest of the satellite launch vehicles currently available.
"We're going to build a lot of them and launch a lot of them typically most rocket companies build and fly five to 10 a year, but we are going to be building and flying hundreds a year,” said Vector CEO Jim Cantrell.
Vector can do this because of the rockets are small and affordable to build.
The company said it can sell a single Vector-R rocket for around $1.5 million. In comparison, Cantrell says many other rockets and rocket companies could charge upwards of tens of millions of dollars.
The Vector Rocket featured in the pictures is actually a replica. The original rocket is still in Tucson, but soon people will be able to see it at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.
The replica will be moved Monday and officials hope to have it available to visitors by Tuesday.
Cantrell said he hopes the company’s passion for launching from the space coast will bring in more tourism and jobs for the area.
"We think this will actually create another interesting tourism angle because one of the thing when you come to see rockets you have to be here on the lucky day but if we are launching 50 to 100 times a year your lucky days get a lot easier to see,” he said.
Vector says it has several test launches with the Vector R rocket planned this year before it can try for an official launch sometime early in 2018.