Blue's Origin, Part 1

This sign is visible from Space Commerce Road. All images credit: SpaceKSC.com.

Blue Origin has begun clearing at their future manufacturing complex at Kennedy Space Center's Exploration Park.

You'll notice that, on the above sign, it states, OLS Manufacturing Complex. What's OLS?! I'm guessing it's Orbital Launch Site, apparently, from the below press release.

The Haskell Company of Jacksonville has the contract to design and build the complex. Here's their April 26, 2016 press release:

Haskell, a leading integrated design, engineering and construction firm, announced today that it has been selected to design-build a new orbital rocket manufacturing facility for Blue Origin. The facility will be built at Exploration Park in Cape Canaveral, Florida — the hub of U.S. space exploration.

In 2015, Blue Origin announced plans to open a 21st century production facility that will focus on manufacturing a new fleet of reusable orbital launchers for their private spaceflight program. The facility is strategically located near Complex 36, the site where Blue Origin plans to launch from later this decade.

This is Haskell’s second engagement for the private spaceflight company. Haskell previously performed design-build services on a 20,000 SF launch site complex in Texas that was completed in September of 2006. “Haskell’s aerospace and aviation industry performance track record coupled with their proven ability to meet aggressive design-build schedules made them the right fit for this job,” said Scott Henderson, Blue Origin's Orbital Launch Site Director. “We look forward to partnering with Haskell to deliver a world class launch vehicle manufacturing facility to support our vision of millions of people living and working in space.”

“Haskell is thrilled to be a part of this industry-changing project that makes spaceflight more commercially accessible,” said Paul Raudenbush, Haskell’s Aviation & Aerospace Division Leader. “Blue Origin’s culture is grounded in innovation, value and safety much like our own, which makes this a great fit for our two organizations. As a Florida-based company, we’re especially invested in completing a successful project that brings Blue Origin’s operations into our home state.”

Scott Henderson, by the way, once worked for SpaceX at the Cape as Director of Launch Integration and Mission Assurance. He joined Blue in March 2014.

From time to time, I'll drive by the site and shoot photos to keep you apprised of their progress.

Click on an image to view at a larger size. Images may be used elsewhere if credit is given to SpaceKSC.com.

These first two photos were taken on May 29.

These images were shot today, on June 7.