Today a consortium of Frederick-based entities announces the formation of the Capps Space Science Center at Frederick. This Center will have as its mission partnerships between educational and scientific institutions and entrepreneurs developing new types of flying vehicles.

A first example of this type of partnership is a joint endeavor between Frederick-based HighShips, Inc and the Robotic Systems Laboratory of Silicon Valley’s Santa Clara University. Through the support of investors and donors in California and Montana, the HighShips’ highly maneuverable small airship program has begun.

Over the next few weeks, HighShips will be flying a camera in a tethered flight test for Evergreen Films, a Hollywood production company, to provide unique aerial point of view for an upcoming project. The prototype of a more sophisticated robot airship is planned for tests this fall for search and rescue applications in Montana and possibly in support of paleontologists’ dinosaur digs in the Southwest.

A second partnership for the Capps Space Science Center is the move of Beyond-Earth Enterprises’ launch operations to Frederick. In partnership with Frederick-based Global Space League, student payloads will be gathered for flights of its LC-series rockets.

Says Beyond-Earth’s CEO Joe Latrell, “We have been impressed by the pragmatism of the Frederick group, and we look forward a long-term relationship with the growing pool of expertise and connections they are gathering.”

At Frederick’s 4th of July Celebration 2004, pending final regulatory clearances and weather, Beyond-Earth plans to display their full-scale LC rocket and launch a one-third-scale version. (The full scale version is planned to be launched from Frederick later this summer.)

In addition HighShips will have the first airship tethered on display. Kids of all ages will be able to come into a “Super Top Secret Area 57 Rocket Scientists Only” play area where they will be allowed to make secret messages to fly on HighShips’ and Beyond-Earth vehicles, create their own fizzing rockets, and ask questions of a real astronomer and rocket scientist from California.

Detailed schedules, parking and camping fees, and similar information can be obtained from the Frederick Chamber.