Las Vegas Spaceport begins FAA licensing process

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Las Vegas Spaceport says it is applying for a license from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a horizontal spaceplane launch facility.

Officials say Hurricane Helene is pushing the need for an inland spaceport to help the U.S. for national security reasons.

“The destruction caused by this week’s devastating hurricane in Florida underscores the urgent need for an inland spaceport to ensure we have redundant launch capabilities for national defense,” said U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Robert G. Novotny (ret.).

“We have spoken with U.S. Space Force leaders about collaborating to build such a facility, and this next step in seeking our FAA license is critical,” said Rob Lauer, CEO of the Las Vegas Spaceport. “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 embark on the greatest human adventure.”

While spaceplanes are still in development, major advances continue. In July, GE Aerospace built a dual-mode ramjet engine.

“The engine, developed and tested in less than 11 months, features three times the airflow of previous hypersonic demonstrators, ushering in a new era of spaceflight.”

The project has already received unanimous approval from the Clark County Commission and the FAA to build the Las Vegas Executive Airport at the Las Vegas Spaceport.

“Applying for our license with the FAA is the next step in our development. We are sending the message that we are open for business and inviting space companies from around the world to locate here in Nevada,” emphasized Rob Lauer.

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