NASA continues sale and repurposing of launch facilities

Ars Technica : SpaceX and Blue Origin have submitted bids to purchase one of the mobile launcher platforms that NASA originally built for the Apollo program and later refitted for the shuttle. Both companies are also hoping to gain access to Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. LC-39 is NASA’s largest launch facility and, like the mobile platforms, was originally built for the Apollo program and later used for NASA’s manned space missions. SpaceX reportedly wants exclusive access, while Blue Origin is looking for shared access. NASA is also giving management of the shuttle runway and landing facility to Space Florida . The public/private organization is already responsible for Orbiter Processing Facility 3 , which it is leasing to Boeing, and two other launch complexes at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Several companies are apparently interested in access to the Orbiter Processing Facility, but Space Florida is under a nondisclosure agreement regarding the negotiations.