KODIAK LAUNCH COMPLEX.

• Author: KANE, ROGER

READIES FOR 2001 LAUNCHES

Emerald Island's Newest Facet Gets Final Polishing

The biggest bear on the planet thrives in its wild, rugged terrain, with streams that support some of the strongest natural salmon runs in the world. It is the United State's second largest island, home to some 15,000 permanent residents. The largest U.S. Coast Guard support center is located on the island, as is one of the nation's busiest fishing ports. It has a regional airport capable of handling commercial flights and military transports. There are three commercial dock facilities and a transportation network that can accommodate trucking, automobile, light-aircraft and helicopter traffic.

Known as the Emerald Island, the island of Kodiak is surely the Gulf of Alaska's crown jewel. Already rich in natural resources, its manmade treasures are further enhanced by its newest facet: The Kodiak Launch Complex.

After more than eight years of planning and two years of construction, the $40 million commercial space launch site is operational and has already seen two successful rocket launches for the U.S. Air Force.

October saw troubleshooters tie up the last of the loose ends and put the finishing touches on the facility, with an "end-to-end electrical check," according to Pat Ladner, executive director of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corp.

The AADC, a state-owned corporation similar in structure to the Alaska Railroad, owns the launch facility. The AADC was created to promote aerospace-related economic opportunities in Alaska and holds a 30-year lease to the 3,100 rugged acres on Narrow Cape that surround the launch complex.

The facility consists of five main buildings spread out over four sites on 27 acres along Kodiak's western coast.

Aside from the glamorous distinction of being the site of the first commercial launch facility in the U.S., Kodiak also benefits financially from the complex.

The first launch from the complex on Nov. 5, 1998, shot a 37-foot, 4-inch long Minuteman II missile 436 miles into space and landed the state's economy about $1.3 million. While that sum pales in comparison to the money petroleum, fishing and mining industries pump into Alaska's economy, it is proof positive that the KLC is a viable operation.

The facility saw its second successful missile launch Sept. 16,1999, when a 56-foot, 10-inch long Minuteman II was fired off. Ladner did not reveal amounts, but he said the second launch was slightly more profitable than the first.

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