| PLS operates the most diverse space flight propellants inventory
and in the United States using over 200 pieces of propellants mobile equipment,
two dozen facilities, and over 50 miles of high pressure pipelines. The
KSC/CCAFS propellants operations contractor provides the hands-on day-to-day
distribution of both NASA supply contracts delivered to KSC and the Defense
Energy Supply Center (DESC) Defense Fuels Supply Point (DFSP) commodities
at KSC/CCAFS.
This tutorial is directed to all KSC/CCAFS customer activities that require
propellant support at KSC/CCAFS or at local commercial processing facilities
(e.g. Astrotech).
Program Requirement Document (PRD):
Access the PRD system through the Automated Support
Requirements System. Program requirements are outlined in whatever detail is necessary to ensure
KSC/CCAFS support to meet those requirements. Propellant requirements are defined in sections 5310 (how
much of what, when, where, and container type) and 5410 (chemical purity and filtration requirements).
Specify propellant type and quantity to meet your requirements in one nominal loading operation to include
on-board quantity, transfer system residuals, and sample volume. The PRD should be completed several
months before the first support is anticipated.
Propellant Forecast - NASA Programs:
NASA customers should submit their
forecasts as described in Propellant Forecasting for
NASA Programs each March.
Propellant Forecast - DOD & Commercial Programs:
DOD and Commercial customers use DESC form 858 and submit them through their internal processes and are
ultimately used by Defense Energy Supply Center at:
DESC, Bldg 1621-K, 2261 Hughes Ave, Ste 123, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-9823
Defense Fuels Supply Point and Other Propellants:
The following propellants are routinely available from KSC/CCAFS storage and must be forecasted as
described above. The latest version of the listed specification is used as noted on the specific
commodity page along with delivery container types.
| Aerozine-50 |
MIL-PRF-27402 (DESC Supplied) |
| Air, Breathing |
Liquid and gas, SE-S-0073, Table 6.3-29 (NASA Supplied) |
| Helium |
Liquid and gas, MIL-PRF-27407, Grade A (NASA Supplied) |
| Hydrogen |
Liquid and gas, MIL-PRF-27201 (NASA Supplied) |
| Hydrazine |
MIL-PRF-26536, Monopropellant
and High Purity grades (DESC Supplied), Amendment 1 |
| Kerosene |
RP-1, MIL-PRF-25576 (DESC Supplied) |
| MonoMethyl Hydrazine |
MIL-PRF-27401 (DESC Supplied) |
| Nitrogen |
Liquid and gas, MIL-PRF-27401D, Grade A, B, or C |
| Nitrogen Tetroxide, all grades |
MIL-PRF-26539 (DESC Supplied) |
| Oxygen |
Liquid and gas, MIL-PRF-25508, Grade A and Grade F |
The base propellants operations contractor also stocks various scrubber
solutions, solvents, and other specialty fluids. If what you need is
not listed, contact our office to determine if we can support your requirements.
Hypergolic Propellant Courtesy Container Storage:
If your program is using your own customer-owned containers, then you must follow the requirements of our Courtesy Storage Rules and submit a Courtesy Storage Request form.
Establish Financial Account:
All customers must establish cost accounts with either NASA or DESC prior to receiving propellant support
at KSC or CCAFS. DESC authorizes distribution of DFSP propellants (primarily hydrazine family fuels,
N2O4 , and RP-1), therefore customers must obtain
a Customer Identification Code (CIC) from DESC.
NASA Programs can establish their accounts with DESC with assistance from PLS through their program
business office and Office of Procurement (OP) directorate. NASA Programs utilizing NASA delivery
contracts must establish cost accounts through your program’s business office and KSC Office of Chief
Financial Officer.
Propellant Delivery to your Doorstep:
After defining your requirements in a PRD and establishing funding mechanism, place a real-time delivery
request to Cape Support (321-853-5211) or the KSC Duty Office (321-861-5050). Provide them the When,
What, Where, Who, and cost code information for delivery and other support. For NASA spacecraft programs,
your Launch Site Support Manager can place the support request for you.
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