Rocket firm pursues Guyana launch site
TEXAS-based Beal Aerospace Technologies, which recently presented a proposal to Cabinet, is continuing its investigation into possible development of a space launch base in the North West, the firm said yesterday. Beal Aerospace Director for Corporate Affairs, Mr. Wade Gates, said in a statement that the company was in constant communication with various contacts within the Guyana Government, following a recent fact-finding mission to the area. He said plans are afoot for repeated visits to the potential site in the near future. Gates was one of three company representatives who, accompanied by local officials, flew over and later visited the potential launch site last month. He said an extensive environmental assessment would be conducted as part of the government process. Company representatives have met officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) several times to ensure the company meets all the governmental requirements, he said. Discussions have also been had with others to discuss ways to ensure the launch facility does not affect sea turtles that periodically nest along Guyana's north west shores, he explained. Shell Beach in the North West Distrct, stretching some 90 miles, is the nesting place of four of the world's eight turtle species. Scientists believe Shell Beach is the only location where more than two species nest at the same time, and biologists and others have over the years conducted valuable research on endangered species there. Beal said it has made a commitment to maintain a natural buffer of dense swamp and forest between all launch activities and the shoreline. Gates said all access to the space launch facility would be from the Waini River to the south, rather than the ocean. Beal Aerospace, which is in the process of developing new launch vehicles and other infrastructure throughout the Caribbean, to launch commercial communications satellites into space, has noted that the natural geography of Guyana provides for space launches over open ocean and the greatest safeguard to public safety. It is envisioned that jobs will be provided for some 500 local construction workers, during the development of the facility here, and ultimately 200 employees will be employed permanently. Beal Aerospace said it is focused on providing the international business community with greater access to space.
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