Editorial: Nevada joins the space race

Nevada is one of 18 states competing to lure a coveted space shuttle project being developed by Lockheed Martin. VentureStar is the name given to this project, a privatized venture that is expected to receive much of the business that NASA's civilian space shuttle program currently receives. But budgetary constraints mean that NASA's civilian role in space exploration likely is to be reduced over time, opening up opportunities for privatized ventures such as this one, which Lockheed Martin hopes to be in use by 2005. The contract is expected to be awarded by early 2001.

For decades the public's image of space flight has been linked to launches from Cape Canaveral in Florida or Mission Control in Texas. But the Nevada Test Site Development Corp., a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to find alternative uses for the nuclear weapons testing ground, is hoping to break the lock that Florida and Texas have on the nation's space program. In a meeting with the Sun editorial board last week, representatives from the NTS Development Corp. discussed why they believe the Nevada Test Site is the best choice.

For starters, the Nevada Test Site Development Corp. already has an agreement with Washington state-based Kistler Corp. for a separate private space program, offering land at the Test Site to launch a reusable rocket that will be capable of putting communications satellites in a low orbit over the Earth. In addition, the Test Site has thousands of acres under strict government control and the air space already restricts commercial airline use. There also is little population anywhere near the launch pad or flight paths. Add to these factors another critical issue: weather. The area has more than 300 sunny days each year, lessening the possibility of financially costly flight delays because of bad weather. Also, the launch pad's elevation is about 5,600 feet, reducing the fuel used to get into orbit. Lastly, the Test Site has a ready-made infrastructure of roads and utilities in place.

Other states being considered have their strengths, too, but at first glance it would appear Nevada's entry should be given serious consideration. While Lockheed Martin is a private company, one valid concern is that politics could play a role in the selection process. Why? A good portion of Lockheed Martin's business depends on federal government contracts doled out by members of Congress. So when Lockheed Martin goes to make its decision, it is hoped that influential congressmen don't whisper into Lockheed Martin's ear, "suggesting" that their home states would be best suited for the program. All states, including Nevada, should be on a level playing field when Lockheed Martin makes its choice.

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