Construction of the Ronald Reagan Memorial is now underway at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The Air Force began the project with a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 29 at North Base, reports SrA. Stephen Cadette. “This memorial will last for generations of people watching a launch,” said Ron Cortopassi, 30th Space Wing director of staff. “When they come here, they will learn about President Reagan’s contributions to missile defense.” Icon Consulting Group, Inc. won the contract to construct the limestone memorial for $344,200 and is set to complete construction in January 2008. The memorial will feature the bronze bust and plaque unveiled last year.
Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., said the range is “fully mission capable” to support launches following a major May 28 mishap involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.