Overview
The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA), also known as ‘Virginia Space,' was created by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1995, with the legislated mission of promoting commercial space activity, economic development and aerospace research within the Commonwealth.
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History of MARS
Establishment of Virginia Space/MARS
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia created the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA), also known as ‘Virginia Space,' in 1995 to promote the development of the commercial space flight industry, economic development, aerospace research, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education throughout the Commonwealth.
In 1997, Virginia Space entered into a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA, which provided for permitted use of land on NASA Wallops Island for the MARS launch pads. Virginia Space also applied for and was granted an FAA license to launch to orbit. This lead to establishment of the Virginia Space Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), located on the southern portion of NASA Wallops Island. MARS is approved for launch azimuths from 38 to 60 degrees, making it an ideal location from which to launch to the International Space Station (ISS).
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