The spaceport, which will incorporate the world's most advanced technology, will provide the operational base for the launch of the world's first fully reusable launch vehicle, the Kistler K-1.

The multimillion-dollar spaceport is due for completion in the fourth quarter of this year, with test flights of the vehicle scheduled for late 1998. The first commercial payload is expected to be launched next year.

"This is a very special day for Kistler and all of the key stakeholders involved with the Woomera spaceport, including the Commonwealth government, the South Australian government, regulatory bodies, government agencies and local Aboriginal groups," said Robert Wang, chairman of Kistler Aerospace.

"Kistler has made very significant strides in the last six months in accomplishing many milestones. However, this ceremony signifies a very important transition for us. Moving this project from concept to construction in such a short time is a testament to our business capabilities and our commitment to become the world's first fully reusable launch provider."

As a reusable vehicle, the Kistler K-1 promises to significantly decrease the cost of launching satellites into low Earth orbit. These benefits are expected to be passed on to consumers in the form of reduced costs for communications and satellite-based services.

"Kistler plans to lead the world's commercial space revolution to a level comparable with commercial aviation," said Wang. "Satellite communications permit faster and increased access to global information, more effective connections for commerce, and enhanced communication links between countries and people."

Kistler hopes to begin construction on its second spaceport site, in Nevada, in the 1999-2000 time frame. The company plans to operate the two spaceports simultaneously to allow greater flexibility in scheduling and in the range of launch azimuths that can be flown to meet customer requirements.

In achieving this milestone, Kistler worked in cooperation with the minister for industry, science and tourism, John Moore; the minister for defense, Ian McLachlan; the premier of South Australia, John Olsen; and various government agencies to obtain all the necessary environmental, regulatory and permit authorizations.

"The planning and approval of this facility has come together through superb government and industry cooperation," said Wang. "Environmental, regulatory and negotiation issues relating to native title claims have all been harmonious. We look forward to a continued successful relationship with the Commonwealth government, the South Australian government and Aboriginal groups."

Kistler Aerospace is the developer of the K-1 fully reusable aerospace vehicle, designed to deliver satellites to low Earth orbit and provide a low-cost alternative to single-use launch vehicles. Kistler is a privately funded U.S. company with corporate offices in Kirkland, Wash., and executive offices in Los Angeles.

Another wholly owned subsidiary, Kistler Woomera Pty. Ltd., will own and operate the K-1 vehicle from the Woomera spaceport.