I am NOT a resident of Edwards Air Force Base, CA, USA and have been personally affected by the cancellation of the Lockheed Martin X-33 program in 2001. This spaceplane, designed to be a technology demonstrator for NASA's VentureStar orbital spaceplane program, never saw any launches despite its potential. The launch pad built specifically for this 66-foot long aircraft remains unused to this day.

The X-33 was intended to demonstrate technologies that would lower launch costs and improve reliability - factors critical to making space more accessible. The cancellation of this project not only halted these advancements but also left an unused launch pad at our base.

Edwards Air Force Base has a rich history in aviation and aerospace testing; it is where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947. We believe reviving this launch pad could bring back some of that pioneering spirit and contribute significantly towards future advancements in aerospace technology.

Edwards Air Force Base has a rocket test facility along Leuhman Ridge east of the base that went into operation about 1952. The facility, also known as Edwards Rocket Base and Air Force Rocket Research Laboratory, contains rocket engine test stands and captive rocket test stands.

Many types of engines were tested there. Among them were engines for the Bomarc, Navaho, Mace, Atlas, Thor, Minuteman, Titan, Delta IV, Saturn, Space Shuttle, Bell X-1A aircraft and rocket sleds. Early rocket sleds were used to test captured V-2 rockets and later to test human reaction to high acceleration.

We ask NASA and Lockheed Martin officials to consider rebuilding the launch pad for use with modern rockets and other innovative space projects. Let's not let valuable infrastructure go wasted; instead, let us use it as a stepping stone towards furthering our exploration of space.

Please sign this petition if you believe in harnessing existing resources for progress and innovation at Edwards Air Force Base.