The Virginia Spaceport Authority, located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing reliable and responsive access to space for government and commercial customers. Established in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly, the spaceport plays a crucial role in supporting launches to orbit from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). With a mission to operate and grow a premier spaceport for small and mid-class rocket systems, the Virginia Spaceport Authority is positioned to be a key player in the rapidly expanding commercial space industry.
History and Background
The origins of the Virginia Spaceport Authority can be traced back to the establishment of the Wallops Flight Facility by NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), in 1945. Over the decades, the Wallops Flight Facility has served as a launch site for thousands of rockets, satellites, and scientific payloads, contributing significantly to the advancement of aerospace research and technology.
In 1995, recognizing the potential for commercial space activities, the Virginia General Assembly created the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA), also known as Virginia Space, to oversee the development and operation of a spaceport. The authority signed a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA in 1997, allowing for the construction of MARS on land leased from the Wallops Flight Facility. Virginia Space is classified as a public private partnership.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Virginia Spaceport Authority boasts a comprehensive array of facilities and infrastructure to support diverse launch vehicles and missions. The centerpiece of the spaceport is MARS, which features three launch pads: 0A, 0B, and 0C.
Launch Pad 0A
Launch Pad 0A is designed for liquid-fueled rockets and has been the primary launch site for Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket, which has successfully delivered cargo to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program. The pad is equipped with state-of-the-art propellant storage and handling systems, as well as a water deluge system for sound suppression during launches.
Launch Pad 0B
Launch Pad 0B is configured for solid-fueled rockets and has supported launches of Northrop Grumman’s Minotaur family of vehicles. This pad offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for smaller payloads and has been used for missions by the U.S. Air Force and other government agencies.
Launch Pad 0C
The newest addition to MARS, Launch Pad 0C, is designed to support small-class launch vehicles. It leverages systems from Pad 0A to minimize costs while providing the necessary fueling and pneumatic supplies for these smaller rockets. Launch Pad 0C expands the spaceport’s capabilities and attracts new customers in the rapidly growing small satellite launch market.
In addition to the launch pads, the Virginia Spaceport Authority maintains a range of support facilities. The Payload Processing Facility (PPF) allows for the preparation and fueling of spacecraft payloads, while the Integration and Control Facility (ICF) provides space for the horizontal integration of launch vehicles and the housing of control and support staff. These facilities ensure the smooth and efficient processing of payloads and rockets prior to launch.
Launch Services and Capabilities
The Virginia Spaceport Authority offers a full suite of launch services to accommodate the needs of its diverse customer base. The spaceport is capable of supporting launches to a variety of orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), and other inclinations between 38° and 60°.
One of the key advantages of the spaceport’s location is its ability to launch over the Atlantic Ocean, minimizing risks to populated areas. The spaceport’s latitude also makes it well-suited for missions to the International Space Station and other high-inclination orbits.
The Virginia Spaceport Authority has established partnerships with leading aerospace companies to provide reliable and cost-effective launch services. These partnerships have resulted in numerous successful missions, demonstrating the spaceport’s capabilities and expertise.
Current Tenants and Customers
The Virginia Spaceport Authority has attracted a diverse range of tenants and customers, spanning government agencies, commercial companies, and educational institutions. Some of the notable tenants and customers include:
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman, one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, has been a long-standing tenant at the Virginia Spaceport Authority. The company’s Antares rocket, which launches from Pad 0A, has been instrumental in resupplying the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program. Northrop Grumman has also used the spaceport for launches of its Minotaur family of rockets, which are derived from decommissioned intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab, a leading small satellite launch provider, recently established a presence at the Virginia Spaceport Authority. The company’s Electron rocket, known for its innovative design and 3D-printed engines, will launch from the newly constructed Launch Complex 2. Rocket Lab’s presence at the spaceport is expected to significantly increase the launch cadence and attract new customers in the small satellite industry.
NASA
NASA has been a key partner and customer of the Virginia Spaceport Authority since its inception. The space agency has used the spaceport for various missions, including the launch of the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft in 2013. NASA also supports the spaceport through its Wallops Flight Facility, providing range safety, tracking, and other services.
U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has utilized the Virginia Spaceport Authority for several missions, including the ORS-3 mission in 2013, which launched a record-setting 29 satellites into orbit using a Minotaur I rocket from Pad 0B. The Air Force’s use of the spaceport demonstrates its value as a flexible and responsive launch site for national security missions.
Educational Institutions
The Virginia Spaceport Authority actively engages with educational institutions to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and inspire the next generation of space professionals. Universities such as Old Dominion University and the Virginia Tech have collaborated with the spaceport on research projects and student internships, providing valuable hands-on experience in the space industry.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Virginia Spaceport Authority has a significant economic impact on the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to a 2023 study by the Old Dominion University Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, the spaceport and its associated Wallops Island Aerospace Cluster (WIAC) contributed nearly $36.8 million to Virginia’s annual real GDP between 2018 and 2022. The study also found that the WIAC added an average of 3,300 to 4,600 jobs each year to the Virginia economy during the same period.
The spaceport’s activities have created high-paying jobs in fields such as engineering, technology, and construction, contributing to the diversification and growth of the local economy. The presence of the spaceport has also attracted aerospace and technology companies to the region, further boosting economic activity and job creation.
Moreover, the spaceport’s launches and events draw visitors from around the world, generating revenue for local businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The spaceport also partners with educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce pipeline, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the aerospace industry in Virginia.
Environmental Stewardship
As an organization committed to responsible space operations, the Virginia Spaceport Authority places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. The spaceport is located in close proximity to sensitive ecological areas, including the Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which are home to a variety of plant and animal species.
To minimize its environmental impact, the Virginia Spaceport Authority has implemented a range of best practices and technologies. These include the use of clean-burning propellants, the careful management of hazardous materials, and the restoration of launch sites after each mission. The spaceport also works closely with environmental agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that its activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
Community Engagement and Outreach
The Virginia Spaceport Authority recognizes the importance of engaging with the local community and promoting public understanding of its activities. The spaceport regularly hosts tours and events for the public, providing opportunities to learn about the spaceport’s operations and the broader space industry.
The spaceport also partners with local schools and educational institutions to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of space professionals. Through internships, workshops, and other educational programs, the Virginia Spaceport Authority seeks to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce for the future of the space industry.
Future Plans and Growth
Looking to the future, the Virginia Spaceport Authority has ambitious plans to expand its capabilities and cement its position as a leading commercial spaceport. The spaceport is actively seeking new launch providers and customers to diversify its portfolio and ensure a steady stream of missions.
One key area of focus is the development of new infrastructure to support the growing demand for small satellite launches. The spaceport is planning to construct additional launch pads and payload processing facilities to accommodate the increasing number of small launch vehicles entering the market.
The Virginia Spaceport Authority is also exploring opportunities to support new types of missions, such as human spaceflight and space tourism. While these markets are still in their early stages, the spaceport is positioning itself to be a key player in the future of commercial human spaceflight.
In addition to its launch-related activities, the Virginia Spaceport Authority is also expanding its capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The spaceport’s UAS Airfield offers a secure and versatile environment for the testing, training, and demonstration of UAS technologies. As the UAS industry continues to grow, the Virginia Spaceport Authority is well-positioned to support its development and integration into the national airspace system.
Summary
The Virginia Spaceport Authority has established itself as a premier commercial spaceport, providing reliable and responsive access to space for a diverse range of customers. Through its state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive launch services, and commitment to excellence, the spaceport has played a crucial role in advancing the commercial space industry and supporting the exploration of the final frontier.
As the demand for commercial space services continues to grow, the Virginia Spaceport Authority is poised to be a key player in shaping the future of the industry. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and innovative partnerships, the spaceport is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving space sector.
By fostering economic growth, promoting environmental stewardship, and inspiring the next generation of space professionals, the Virginia Spaceport Authority is not only driving the success of the commercial space industry but also contributing to the long-term prosperity and well-being of the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
