spaceports
House appropriators reduce proposed budget for FAA commercial space office
House appropriators eliminated most of a proposed budget increase for the FAA’s commercial space transportation office while also directing the agency on spaceports and cooperation with another agency on spaceflight investigations.
Sierra Space to study Dream Chaser landings in Japan
Sierra Space has signed an agreement to study future landings of its Dream Chaser vehicle at a Japanese airport.
Launch ranges lack spare parts to support growing demand
The Space Force lacks spare parts for much of the equipment needed to support launches from the Eastern and Western Ranges, an issue that could loom larger as launch activities at both spaceports increase.
Commercial spaceports seen as the future for European launch
Actors engaged in the emerging European commercial launch sector are looking to European commercial spaceports to be established rather than shipping rockets farther afield.
Spaceports address environmental impact concerns
Spaceports are working together to address environmental concerns and share solutions.
FAA establishes spaceport office to support growing number of launch sites
As the Federal Aviation Administration licenses another commercial spaceport, it has formally opened an office to address the issues facing such launch sites.
Avio, exempt from Italy’s coronavirus lockdown, seeks reopening of French Guiana spaceport
Since 60% of Avio’s revenue comes from manufacturing, the French government’s March 16 decision to suspend launches from the Guiana Space Center shouldn’t impact revenues as long as Europe’s South American spaceport reopens within two to three months, Ranzo said.
Commercial spaceports increase focus on economic development
Commercial spaceports are increasingly portraying themselves as centers of economic development, including those without any launch activity.
Spaceports seek ways to deal with public opposition
Commercial spaceports say they need to become more proactive in dealing with public opposition to proposed launch sites through a combination of education and community involvement.
European spaceport boom could benefit industry
Sweden, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Portugal and Norway all have spaceport ideas being discussed, OHB CEO Marco Fuchs said Nov. 19 at Space Tech Expo Europe here.
FAA reauthorization bill boosts commercial space office
A reauthorization bill for the FAA passed by the House April 27 includes several provisions intended to support its commercial spaceflight activities, including a major increase in authorized spending levels.
British government to offer funding for spaceports and launchers
A new national industrial strategy unveiled by the British government Nov. 27 includes 50 million pounds ($67 million) to support development of new launch sites and launch vehicles.
Georgia passes bill supporting development of a commercial spaceport in the state
The Georgia House passed the bill Wednesday on a 151–6 vote, after the state senate previously approved the bill.
Report finds commercial spaceports confused about insurance requirements
A new report recommends that the FAA do more to assist commercial spaceports in determining their insurance requirements, but stops short of calling for regulatory changes regarding coverage for non-federal facilities.
