LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A pivotal step in the development of a civilian space training facility — the Las Vegas Spaceport — was announced Tuesday as the company requested a federal license for an airstrip for spaceplanes.
The “horizontal launch facility” requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is expected to take about two years for approval.
Permits for construction of the airstrip were approved by Clark County in May. At the time, Spaceport officials expected the FAA approval process to move faster, but an airstrip is a necessary step in the project’s development with a long-term goal of a launch facility.
And Spaceport officials believe Hurricane Helene has fueled the need for an inland project like theirs.
A company news release on Tuesday quoted a retired Air Force general. “The destruction caused by this week’s devastating hurricane in Florida underscores the critical need for an inland spaceport to ensure we have redundant launch capabilities for national defense,” Brigadier General Robert G. Novotny, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) said.
And Spaceport CEO Rob Lauer indicated the project might have uses beyond civilian space tourism.
“We have been in discussions with leaders at the U.S. Space Force about collaborating to build such a facility, and this next step in seeking our FAA license is pivotal,” Lauer said. “This sends a clear message: Las Vegas is open for business, and we invite space companies from around the world to join us here in Nevada as we start the greatest human adventure.”
The Las Vegas Spaceport was first announced in late June of 2023, a $310 million project on 240 acres outside of Las Vegas. Lauer is a commercial real estate developer, pilot, and former U.S. Army military police officer. Initial plans for the site include a hotel, a passenger terminal, a rooftop observation deck and a restaurant.
The company’s pitch to investors on its website promotes civilian programs including training for space in a Spaceport jet, zero-gravity acclimation training and virtual reality training set on the surface of Mars.
Spaceplanes are still in development. Spaceport officials pointed to a July breakthrough by GE Aerospace on a dual-mode engine.
