From LAS to LVS: the Future of Spaceports

The 4 Ws

• What: The recent approval for the Las Vegas Executive Airport to accommodate single and multi-engine aircraft and rotorcraft operations.
• Who: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Whom: Any entity interested in human spaceflight 
• Why: This approval marks a pivotal step toward developing the Las Vegas Spaceport, which will support horizontal launch vehicles and position Las Vegas as a (potential) hub for space tourism

The FAA’s recent approval for the Las Vegas Executive Airport marks a pivotal step toward developing the Las Vegas Spaceport. This approval allows it to accommodate single and multi-engine aircraft and rotorcraft operations. Described as a “landmark decision,” it lays the groundwork for creating a solid spaceport infrastructure in Southern Nevada. 

Additionally, the Clark County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved the construction of an airstrip, with future expansions contingent on additional FAA clearances for space-related activities. The Las Vegas Spaceport team will formalize its plans and file an application with the FAA this summer; the whole process is expected to take about two years.

A Hub for Space Tourism(?)

The Las Vegas Spaceport will primarily support horizontal launch vehicles, such as space planes, rather than direct ascent launches. These space planes are expected to be capable of frequent trips to the moon, space stations, and even deeper into space, carrying both satellites and humans. This positions Las Vegas as a significant player in the emerging space travel industry, or in the words of Rob Lauer, the project’s CEO and developer, “a hub for space tourism.” Whether we are actually going to see a lot of private space planes in the upcoming years is a very big gamble; one even Las Vegas would appreciate. 

From Airports to Spaceports

At this point, someone may ask what is a “spaceport”? Similar to how airports host international flights, spaceports are ground-based facilities where national and commercial space organizations launch their spacecraft into orbit. The recent Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) Capitol Hill Space Advocates Program re-emphasized the critical role spaceports play in the global economy. 

During the program, GSA Chairman Dr. George Nield discussed the proposed Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act, highlighting several key provisions. These include: 

• establishing a Commercial Space Transportation Administration that reports directly to the Secretary of Transportation
• creating a National Spaceport Policy to support a network of spaceports, and 
• promoting infrastructure funding from both government and private sources. 

This envisioned network aims to encompass government-owned, commercial, and privately owned launch and landing sites.

Heading South for… Launch

There seems to be increased interest in the Southwest hosting commercial space activities. Following the establishment of Spaceport America in New Mexico, now we have this addition to the map of spaceports. With the commercial space sector on the rise and new launch companies popping up on every corner, it is only natural that the industry will soon need additional space (pun intended). Factoring in Las Vegas’ notoriety for spending money on all kinds of experiences, it comes as no surprise that a hub for space tourism is planned in the area.

The Road Ahead

The future of space travel is thrilling but, like any space endeavor, it won’t happen overnight. Regardless, if enacted, the Act could have great ramifications for the launch industry, where establishing a network of spaceports and facilitating government funding could mean increased availability for launch sites.

Still, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a few more “landmark decisions” and additional bureaucratic hurdles along the way. However, once the gears finally start turning, who knows? Maybe one day booking a trip to the moon will be as easy as booking a flight out of Harry Reid International.