Space Center’s (KSC’s) outstanding record of achievements has earned it an honored place in history and an essential role in Space Transportation today. As NASA’s Center of Excellence for Launch and Payload Processing Systems, KSC is increasing the momentum in space-faring technology development for current and future spaceports. The Spaceport Technology Center (STC) concept carries out KSC’s role within NASA to meet the goals of increased safety, reduced cost of space access, and rapid expansion of commercial markets by infusing spaceport technologies into all facets of Space Transportation Systems. KSC’s historic background as the nation’s premier launch facility creates an ideal environment for the STC. The STC’s knowledge, expertise, facilities, and equipment provide technologies and processes to customers who propose to build and operate spaceports on Earth, Moon, Mars, and beyond. The STC is composed of the three pillars that are the foundation of a spaceport: Launch and Launch Vehicle Processing Systems, Payload and Payload Carrier Processing Systems, and Landing and Recovery Systems. KSC has unparalleled expertise in designing, building, and operating a spaceport with all its complex systems. KSC’s leadership in incorporating safer, faster, cheaper, and more-robust systems and technologies will pave the way for the future space industry. The thrust of the STC technology development is concentrated in five areas referred to as Spaceport Technology Development Initiatives (STDI’s): Command, Control, and Monitor Systems; Range Technologies; Fluids and Fluid Systems; Materials Evaluation; and Process Engineering. KSC is developing technologies for spaceport architecture and innovative techniques that will reduce the costs of ground processing and minimize the life cycle costs of space transportation. KSC aggressively seeks industry participation and collaboration in its research and technology development initiatives. KSC also seeks to transfer its expertise and technology to the commercial sector and academic community. Programs and commercialization opportunities available to American industries and other institutional organizations are described in the Technology Commercialization Office Internet Web site at http://technology.ksc.nasa.gov. Additional insight into KSC’s Spaceport Technology Center can be found at http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/spacetech/. Technology Programs and Commercialization Introduction