[SatNews] This new office expands the Company's capabilities for new launch endeavors...

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has established an Exploration Launch Systems Engineering and Integration office in Titusville to support the operational readiness of NASA's next launch system, currently under study. "This new Boeing office near NASA's Kennedy Space Center expands our capability to execute our current Upper Stage Production and Instrument Unit Avionics contracts, as well as continue our support of NASA as it lays the groundwork for development of heavy-lift launch vehicle concepts," said Jim Chilton, Exploration Launch Systems vice president for Boeing. "We plan to ensure critical skills and capabilities are retained to provide a smooth workforce transition from the Space Shuttle program that builds on accomplishments and investments made to date."

The Florida office complements Boeing's ongoing work on the Upper Stage Production and Instrument Unit Avionics contracts held at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., and the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Boeing recently submitted trade studies and detailed cost and schedule information to NASA so the agency can evaluate the company's heavy-lift launch vehicle system concepts, propulsion technologies and affordability. Boeing's 50-year history in human spaceflight and its skilled workforce will enable missions beyond Low Earth Orbit to transport payloads such as large-array telescopes and to explore deep space.