Launch History
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AADC was created by the Alaska State Legislature in 1991 and chartered to develop space related economic growth in our state.
The KLC is the first commercial launch complex licensed by the FAA that is not collocated with a federal facility. AADC began the development and planning for the Kodiak Launch Complex in 1992. Feasibility studies, permitting and fundraising began with the goal of creating a complete processing and launch facility. In 1995, the Alaska State Legislature approved funding for the KLC and design work was initiated.
The Narrow Cape on Kodiak Island was chosen as the site for a launch facility because of its unobstructed downrange flight path ensuring a high degree of safety and its position at a northern latitude to accommodate a broad range of launch azimuths, including efficient polar orbits and insertions.
In the Rocket Launch Business
In 1998, the U.S Air Force became the first KLC launch customer, with a commitment for two sub-orbital launches as a part of the USAF atmospheric interceptor test (ait) Program.
Capitalizing on the latest developments in the aerospace industry, construction of the KLC’s state-of-the-industry facilities began in 1998. The first launch at the KLC, ait-1, occurred on November 5, 1998 making use of the core facilities under construction. The ait-2 launch occurred on September 15, 1999.
In 1998, AADC signed its first contract for an orbital vehicle launch with Lockheed Martin Corporation for the Athena rocket Kodiak Star. Additional sponsors for this launch included NASA and the Air Force.
KLC construction was completed in 2000 and the Kodiak Star launched from Launch Pad 1 on September 29, 2001. The vehicle delivered four satellites into low earth orbits in this highly successful mission.
In 2003, AADC secured a five-year contract with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to provide launch support services for multiple tests of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Program. The KLC is a launch site for MDA target vehicles as a test of interceptor capabilities.
Today, AADC is a strong partner in the development of a new and exciting industry for Alaska.
 Alcatel installing a section of the new undersea fiber optic cable network at Kodiak Island, in 2006. |
 FTG-02 lifts off from KLC on September 1, 2006 - Photo courtesy of Sandia National Laboratories |
Economic Development and Industry Expansion
Satellite Earth Station
AADC participated in feasibility studies that brought a satellite down-link earth station to Fairbanks. At high northern latitude, Fairbanks is well suited as a location to receive data from remote sensing, research or other observation satellites in polar orbits. A satellite in polar orbit offers data to a receiving earth station in Fairbanks more times a day than would be possible if the earth station were further south in the U.S.
Telecommunications in Southcentral Alaska
In 2006, AADC, along with the Kodiak Kenai Cable Company, spearheaded the development of an extensive submarine fiber optic cable network project designed to bring secure and dependable high-speed voice, data and Internet connectivity to Kodiak and the Kenai Peninsula.
This major infrastructure development for Alaska connects the Kodiak Launch Complex, the Kodiak Island Borough, the nation’s largest Coast Guard facility and the entire Kenai Peninsula to the existing fiber optic network that runs throughout the state.
This expansion of the state-wide fiber optic network also expands the capabilities for University of Alaska distance learning, accessibility to telemedicine and increases the resources available to Homeland Security.
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Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Strategic Targets System (STARS) rocket FTG-03a.
May 25, 2007
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Strategic Targets System (STARS) rocket FTG-03.
September 1, 2006
STARS rocket FTG-02 supported MDA telemetry and data gathering objectives.
February 23, 2006
STARS rocket FT 04-1 incorporated radar and targets testing.
February 13, 2005
STARS rocket IFT-14, second MDA launch from KLC.
December 14, 2004
STARS rocket IFT-13C, first MDA launch of a test vehicle.
April 24, 2002
Quick Response Launch Vehicle 2 (QRLV-2), part of the Air Force Alaska Command Northern Edge 2002 exercise.
November 9, 2001
STARS – West Coast Risk-Reduction Flight (WCRRF) – U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
September 29, 2001
Kodiak Star – Athena class vehicle. Four satellites successfully inserted into lower earth orbit (LEO). Combined Lockheed Martin, NASA and Air Force effort.
March 22, 2001 – QRLV-1, Air Force mission.
September 15, 1999
Air Force ait-2, second Atmospheric Interceptor Technology (ait) launch.
November 5, 1998
Air Force ait-1. First launch at KLC with the essential core facilities constructed.
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