FAA Licensed Spaceports

What is a Spaceport?

Spaceports serve as the launchpads for humanity’s ventures into space. These specialized facilities handle the takeoff and return of spacecraft, supporting everything from satellite deployments to crewed missions. The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, oversees commercial space activities in the United States. It grants licenses to spaceports that meet strict safety and operational standards. These licensed sites allow private companies to conduct launches without relying solely on government-run facilities. As of August 2025, the FAA lists 14 licensed commercial spaceports, excluding federal ranges and private exclusive-use sites, though commercial operations occur at some federal locations under FAA oversight. Including sites supporting commercial activities, the network expands to around 20 key facilities across 10 states.

These spaceports represent a shift toward commercial space travel. They enable companies to send payloads into orbit, test new vehicles, and even carry tourists beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The FAA’s involvement ensures that these activities happen safely, protecting people on the ground and in the air. Licensed spaceports vary in size and capability. Some focus on vertical launches, where rockets blast off straight up like traditional missiles. Others specialize in horizontal launches, similar to airplanes taking off from runways before heading to space. A few handle reentries, guiding spacecraft back to Earth.

The growth of these sites reflects the expanding space industry. Private firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin drive much of the activity, but government agencies such as NASA also benefit. Spaceports create jobs, boost local economies, and foster innovation. Yet they face challenges, including environmental concerns and community impacts. This article explores the world of FAA licensed spaceports, their history, operations, and future prospects, updated with the latest details from the FAA as of August 2025.

History of Commercial Spaceports in the US

The story of commercial spaceports begins in the late 20th century. Early space efforts relied on federal sites like Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. These locations, managed by the military and NASA, handled government missions. As private companies entered the scene, the need for dedicated commercial facilities grew.

In 1984, Congress passed the Commercial Space Launch Act. This law established the framework for private space activities. It tasked the Department of Transportation, through the FAA, with regulating commercial launches. The first commercial launch under this system occurred in 1989 from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The 1990s saw the emergence of the first licensed spaceports. Mojave Air and Space Port in California received its license in 2004, becoming the inaugural FAA-approved site for horizontal launches. This marked a turning point, allowing companies to test reusable spacecraft. Around the same time, states began investing in their own space infrastructure. New Mexico broke ground on Spaceport America in 2006, aiming to attract suborbital tourism.

The 2010s brought rapid expansion. Florida, already a hub for space activity, added multiple licensed sites. The state leveraged its proximity to the equator, which provides a natural boost for launches into certain orbits. Texas joined the fray with sites in Houston and Midland, drawing on its energy sector expertise. By 2015, the FAA had licensed 10 spaceports. The Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 further encouraged growth by clarifying regulations and promoting innovation.

Recent years have seen an explosion in licenses. As companies develop new rockets and spacecraft, more states seek to participate. Georgia licensed Spaceport Camden in 2021, though development has faced hurdles. Colorado and Oklahoma have positioned their spaceports as gateways for horizontal operations. The FAA’s Office of Spaceports, established in 2019, coordinates these efforts. It works to standardize practices and support infrastructure upgrades. As of August 2025, no new licenses have been issued since July, but efforts continue, such as applications for expanded capabilities at existing sites.

This evolution mirrors the broader space economy. What started as government-dominated now includes hundreds of private launches annually. Spaceports have adapted, incorporating advanced technologies like autonomous safety systems. They host a mix of orbital, suborbital, and reentry operations, serving satellites, scientific experiments, and human flights.

The Licensing Process

Obtaining an FAA license for a spaceport involves several steps. Applicants must demonstrate that their site can safely support space activities. The process starts with a pre-application consultation. Here, potential operators discuss their plans with FAA experts. This helps identify any early issues.

Next comes the formal application. It includes detailed descriptions of the site’s layout, facilities, and procedures. Applicants provide environmental assessments, safety analyses, and emergency response plans. The FAA reviews these documents for compliance with federal regulations. Public safety stands at the forefront. The agency evaluates risks to people, property, and aircraft.

Environmental reviews play a key role. Spaceports must assess impacts on wildlife, air quality, and noise levels. They often conduct studies under the National Environmental Policy Act. If significant effects emerge, mitigation measures become necessary.

The FAA also examines operational aspects. For vertical launch sites, this means checking launch pads, fuel storage, and control centers. Horizontal sites focus on runways, hangars, and taxiways. Reentry sites need areas for safe landings.

Once submitted, the application undergoes evaluation. The FAA has 180 days to issue a decision, though extensions can occur. During this period, the agency may request additional information. Public input is solicited through notices and hearings.

If approved, the license lasts five years, with options for renewal. Operators must adhere to ongoing requirements, including reporting incidents and maintaining records. The FAA conducts inspections to ensure compliance.

This process adapts to new technologies. For example, reusable rockets prompted updates to reentry rules. The FAA streamlines applications for experienced operators, reducing paperwork. It also offers experimental permits for testing novel concepts. In August 2025, discussions around reducing red tape for launch licenses have emerged, potentially speeding up future approvals.

Licensing fosters competition among states. Each vies for launches by offering incentives like tax breaks or grants. The result is a diverse network of spaceports, each specializing in certain operations.

Current FAA Licensed Spaceports

The United States boasts a network of FAA licensed spaceports spread across 10 states. These facilities range from bustling hubs to emerging sites. The FAA distinguishes between commercial licenses and federal ranges where commercial launches occur. Private exclusive-use sites, like those operated by Blue Origin and SpaceX, support commercial activities under FAA vehicle operator licenses. Below, a table summarizes key details for sites involved in commercial space operations.

Alabama: Huntsville International Air and Space Port

Located in Huntsville, Alabama, this spaceport benefits from its proximity to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The facility focuses on orbital reentry operations. It features a 10,001-foot by 150-foot asphalt runway for horizontal landings and a 12,600-foot by 150-foot primary runway with Category II Instrument Landing System capabilities. The operator, Huntsville Madison County Airport Authority, holds license RSO 22-001, issued May 13, 2022, expiring May 13, 2027. Facilities include an air traffic control tower, aircraft rescue and firefighting services, and a fixed-base operator for Jet-A fuel. The Jetplex Industrial Park offers hangars, offices, and a 4,000-acre business park with Alabama Advantage Site Designation. It operates as Foreign Trade Zone #83 with U.S. Customs services. Collaborations involve Redstone Arsenal, NASA, Cummings Research Park, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Activities include testing reentry vehicles and supporting cargo missions. Future plans involve expanding to handle more traffic, including human spaceflight landings. The spaceport contributes to local education through STEM programs.

Alaska: Pacific Spaceport Complex

On Kodiak Island, Alaska, the Pacific Spaceport Complex excels in vertical launches. Operated by the Alaska Aerospace Corporation, it holds license LSO 03-008, renewed September 23, 2023, expiring September 23, 2028. Launches began in 1998, making it the first FAA-licensed spaceport not on a federal range. It operates without state or federal funds for maintenance since 2015, providing economic benefits to Alaska. The site offers launch azimuths from 110 to 220 degrees, accessing inclinations of 59 to 110 degrees for polar and sun-synchronous orbits. It has six pads: four orbital-class and two suborbital. Facilities include two command and control systems, fixed and transportable Range Safety and Tracking Systems, fiber optics, indoor vehicle processing, a Payload Processing Facility with cleanrooms and hypergol fueling, and support for liquid, solid, hybrid, and stratospheric balloons. Notable features are 22 years of experience, suborbital and orbital scenarios, off-axis tracking, and a Rapid and Agile Space Launch Innovation Center. The remote location minimizes risks, and it operates year-round.

California: Mojave Air & Space Port

Mojave Air & Space Port in California pioneered horizontal space operations. Licensed LSO 04-009, renewed June 12, 2024, expiring June 16, 2029, it’s operated by the local district. The site boasts three runways: 12/30 at 12,500 by 200 feet, 08/26 at 7,049 by 100 feet, and 04/22 at 4,745 by 60 feet. It includes air traffic control, aircraft rescue and firefighting, security, and aviation fuel. Airspace features Class D/G, restricted areas R2508 and R2515, military operations areas, and supersonic corridors like Black Mountain and High Altitude. Proximity to Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Vandenberg aids collaboration. Logistics involve highways, rail spurs, and cargo aircraft. Mojave supports testing stratospheric balloons and reusable aircraft. Virgin Galactic conducted early flights here. Its dry climate and vast airspace suit flight testing. Expansion targets larger vehicles, including orbital ones. Rocket engine test sites are available.

California: Vandenberg Space Force Base

Vandenberg Space Force Base, managed by the United States Space Force, handles vertical and horizontal launches as a federal site supporting commercial operations. It has eight space launch complexes, five active, with programmatic assessments for up to nine more small-lift sites. Two vertical orbital pads and a 15,000 by 200-foot concrete runway at North Vandenberg exist. Launch azimuths range from 153 to 240 degrees, enabling inclinations of 59 to 125 degrees. Satellite processing occurs in two commercially operated facilities. Airspace includes restricted areas from surface to infinity and warning areas. Proximity to Edwards and Point Mugu facilitates collaboration. Transportation options are highways, rail, airfield, and boat dock. Instrumentation includes telemetry with five fixed and one mobile antenna, meteorological services, short and long-range optics, communications via fiber optics, area surveillance with radars and AIS, metric tracking radars, command and control, and post-flight data. Safety features flight analysis and emergency response. Space Launch Complex 8 offers a clean pad for small to medium vehicles, with azimuths 168 to 220 degrees, and upgrades for electrical and communications. A programmatic environmental assessment supports small vehicles up to 100 launches yearly.

Colorado: Colorado Air & Space Port

In Watkins, Colorado, this spaceport emphasizes horizontal launches. Operated by Adams County, it holds license LSO 18-017, renewed August 16, 2023, expiring August 17, 2028. It features two 8,000 by 100-foot runways. The site leverages Denver’s area for workforce and logistics, near Buckley Space Force Base. Air traffic control includes Serco CT-VFR, three ILS approaches, GPS, and ADS-B. It has aircraft rescue and firefighting, security, and aviation fuel. Airspace is Class D/G with military operations area access and supersonic corridors like Kansas State. Proximity to Buckley, Peterson, and Schriever bases aids partnerships. Logistics include highways, a rail spur opening in 2022, and cargo aircraft. Activities involve testing winged spacecraft and high-altitude flights. The spaceport promotes innovation, attracting companies. Plans include dedicated hangars and control centers. Colorado’s elevation simulates space conditions. It supports suborbital recovery with amendments.

Florida: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida is a federal site operated by the 45th Space Wing, supporting vertical and horizontal launches. Over 40 pads have been used since the 1950s; four active, three leased. It has two landing pads and serves as a Major Range and Test Facility Base. Azimuths are 37 to 114 degrees, inclinations 39 to 57 degrees, with polar options. Satellite processing in three facilities. The airfield has a 10,000 by 200-foot runway, with another at Patrick Space Force Base. Airspace includes restricted areas and warning areas. Proximity to Kennedy Space Center. Transportation via highways, rail, airfield, river, and ocean port. Eastern Range capabilities cover telemetry, meteorological data, optics, communications, surveillance, radar, command destruct, data handling, safety, and emergency response. It supports fly-back stages and barge landings.

Florida: Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, operated by NASA, is a federal site for vertical and horizontal launches. Two orbital pads for heavy vehicles (39A by SpaceX, 39B by NASA), plus Complex 48 for small to medium. The Shuttle Landing Facility, now Space Florida’s, offers horizontal capability with a 15,001 by 300-foot runway. Azimuths and inclinations match Cape Canaveral. Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility for processing. Kennedy Uplink Station for communications. Propellants and life support available. Specialized labs and crew support possible. Airspace shared with Cape. Proximity to Cape Canaveral. Transportation options similar.

Florida: Space Florida Launch Complex 46

Part of Cape Canaveral, Launch Complex 46 supports vertical launches under license LSO 10-014, renewed July 1, 2025, expiring July 1, 2030. Operated by Space Florida. Multi-user pad for up to 10-foot diameter vehicles, payload over 4,900 pounds to low Earth orbit. Azimuths 35 to 120 degrees. Infrastructure for 120-foot height vehicles. Mobile Access Structure for servicing. Hosts small rocket tests and deployments. Benefits from nearby federal infrastructure.

Florida: Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility

In Wilson, Florida, this handles horizontal launches and orbital reentries under license LRSO 18-018, expiring January 15, 2026. Formerly the Shuttle Landing Facility, operated by Space Florida. Long runway for capsules and winged vehicles. Supported space shuttle and now commercial reentries. Used for booster and crew module landings. Flat terrain and mild weather enhance safety. Developments include processing buildings.

Florida: Cecil Air and Space Port

Jacksonville’s Cecil Air and Space Port focuses on horizontal operations under license LSO 09-012, renewed January 10, 2025, expiring January 10, 2030. Operated by Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Utilizes airport infrastructure. Serves southeastern US. Involves aircraft-launched rockets and spaceplane tests. Collaborates with industries. Expansion for increased capacity. As of August 2025, the authority supports adding a reentry license and developing a space vehicle facility, in process with FAA review, potentially enabling biomedical research and partnerships with companies like Intuitive Machines and Redwire.

Florida: Space Coast Regional Airport

In Titusville, Florida, this supports horizontal launches under license LSO 20-019, renewed May 5, 2025, expiring May 5, 2030. Operated by Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. Close to Kennedy Space Center. Offers runways for takeoff and landing. Attracts small companies for suborbital tests. Quick integration with major sites. Emphasizes affordability for startups.

Georgia: Spaceport Camden

Spaceport Camden in Georgia is licensed for vertical launches under LSO 21-020, expiring December 20, 2026. Operated by Camden County. Supports up to 12 launches yearly, azimuths 83 to 115 degrees. Requires autonomous safety systems. Site history includes 1960s rocket tests. Allows flexible pads, processing facilities, cleanrooms, hypergols, command centers, portable tracking, fiber optics, and security. Operators use Autonomous Flight Safety Systems. Minimizes water and airspace closures. Development ongoing despite debates.

New Mexico: Spaceport America

Spaceport America in New Mexico offers horizontal and vertical capabilities under license LSO 08-011, issued December 14, 2023, expiring December 14, 2028. Operated by New Mexico Spaceport Authority. Features a 12,000 by 200-foot concrete runway, 18,000 acres, restricted airspace to unlimited, coordination with White Sands. 340+ sunny days, low humidity, high elevation. Utilities include water, electric, fiber. AWOS, 24-hour security, emergency services, low density. Radar, meteorology from White Sands. Paved roads, railroad nearby. Horizontal: supports orbital/suborbital, crewed/uncrewed; potential hangars, passenger processing, assembly, propellant facilities. Vertical: one 200-square-foot general pad, two 10-meter diameter pads, four modular buildings, 2 square miles for development, 40-foot launch rail, engine test sites, dedicated solid motor facility, Advanced Technology Area for non-traditional launches. State benefits: Job Training Incentive Program, Local Economic Development Act Grants, tax credits and deductions. Horizontal area at 32°59’28.3”N, 106°58’11.5”W; vertical at 32°56’25.0”N, 106°55’15.2”W. Hosts Virgin Galactic’s suborbital tourism flights, with regular operations carrying paying customers to the edge of space. Recent activities include scientific payloads from universities and private firms, testing hypersonic technologies. Future plans involve expanding vertical pads for orbital launches and attracting more tenants for research.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Spaceport

At Burns Flat, Oklahoma, this horizontal spaceport holds license LSO 06-010, expiring June 4, 2026. Operated by state authority. Uses Clinton-Sherman Airport. Features 13,503 by 300-foot runway with overruns to 15,503 feet, instrument approaches, REILS, PAPIs. Flight operations center with telemetry room, ATC tower, firefighting, Jet-A services, AWOS, lightning prediction. “Infinity One” corridor: 152 miles long, 50 miles wide, northern trajectory for high-inclination polar orbits, ideal for weather, surveillance. Adjacent 1,100-acre aerospace park with streets, utilities, fiber, medical clinic, restaurant, golf course. 300-foot concrete pad for vertical with proper licensing. Recent partnerships with companies like Dawn Aerospace for spaceplane tests aim to increase activity. The site draws on Oklahoma’s aviation history, offering cost-effective access for startups. Future developments include enhancing the industrial park for manufacturing and adding simulation centers for training. Economic ties boost local jobs in western Oklahoma, with incentives for aerospace firms.

Texas: Houston Spaceport (Ellington Airport)

Houston’s spaceport at Ellington focuses on horizontal under license LSO 15-016, renewed June 26, 2025, expiring June 26, 2030. Operated by Houston Airport System. Runways: 17R/35L 9,001 by 150 feet (expandable to 12,001), 4/22 8,001 by 150 feet. Dedicated mission control, ATCT. Launch corridor to offshore Warning Areas W-147C/D over Gulf of Mexico. No vertical capability. Attracts tenants like Axiom Space for module development, Intuitive Machines for lunar landers. Expansions include new hangars, vehicle assembly buildings, training facilities. Urban location near Johnson Space Center aids recruitment, collaborations. Activities cover astronaut training, reentry tests, microgravity research. Recent additions feature a space education center for public outreach. Future vision positions it as a hub for commercial crew missions, with potential for point-to-point suborbital travel.

Texas: Midland Spaceport

Midland, Texas, hosts a horizontal spaceport under license LSO 14-015, renewed September 15, 2024, expiring September 15, 2029. At international airport, leverages oil industry expertise for aerospace, transferring skills in drilling to rocket engineering. Supports testing, small horizontal launches, engine development. Partnerships with universities like University of Texas Permian Basin foster research in materials science. Facilities include runways suitable for spaceplanes, hangars, and proximity to energy resources for fuel innovation. Recent activities involve suborbital test flights by local startups. The site benefits from Texas incentives, attracting investments. Future plans include building a vertical test stand and expanding to support hybrid launches, aiming to integrate with nearby West Texas sites for a regional space corridor.

Texas: Launch Site One West Texas

Blue Origin’s Launch Site One is a private exclusive-use vertical site for New Shepard suborbital flights. Remote desert location allows frequent tests without urban interference. The site includes launch pads, control centers, and recovery areas. New Shepard carries tourists and payloads to over 100 kilometers altitude, offering minutes of weightlessness. Recent flights have included celebrities and scientists, demonstrating reliability. Blue Origin uses it for engine testing and capsule refinements. Safety features emphasize crew escape systems. Future expansions may support New Glenn orbital launches, though primarily suborbital now. The site’s isolation aids environmental monitoring, with minimal impact on local wildlife.

Texas: Boca Chica

SpaceX’s Boca Chica, also known as Starbase, is private exclusive-use vertical for Starship development. Near Brownsville, it includes massive assembly buildings, launch pads, and test stands. Starship, designed for Mars missions, has conducted multiple test flights, including orbital attempts. Recent activities as of August 2025 involve integrated flight tests, booster catches with mechazilla arms, and payload simulations. The coastal location enables over-water trajectories, reducing risks. Facilities support rapid prototyping, with on-site factories producing Raptor engines. Community impacts include road closures during tests, balanced by job creation. Future goals target crewed lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program and eventual Mars colonization. Environmental reviews continue for increased launch cadence.

Virginia: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport

On Wallops Island, Virginia, this vertical spaceport holds license LSO 02-007, expiring December 19, 2027. Operated by Virginia Space Flight Authority. Multi-pad: 0A for liquid small-medium rockets, 0B adding liquid to solid capability, 0C for small liquid, 0D for methane medium-class by 2025. Payload Processing Facility: 21,000 square feet, ICD-705 standards for classified payloads, 80-foot bay with 30-ton crane, cleanrooms. UAS airfield: 3,000 by 75-foot runway, VTOL pad, hangar with comms. Integration and Control Facility for horizontal processing. Assembly, Integration, Testing Facility on industrial complex. Command Building for operations. Logistics warehouse. Experienced team handles cryogenics, high-pressure, command systems. Recent resupply missions to International Space Station via Northrop Grumman. Future includes more commercial satellites and national security launches.

Virginia: Wallops Flight Facility

NASA’s Wallops is a federal vertical site. Supports sounding rockets, balloons, and orbital launches. Facilities include payload processing for sensitive missions, range control. Hosts international collaborations, like with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Recent activities involve climate research satellites and technology demos. The site’s coastal position allows flexible azimuths. Infrastructure shares with Mid-Atlantic Regional, enhancing capabilities. Future plans focus on small satellite constellations and hypersonics testing.

Operations at Spaceports

Day-to-day operations at spaceports involve careful coordination. Teams prepare vehicles, load fuel, and monitor weather. Control centers oversee countdowns, communicating with air traffic control. Safety officers ensure clear hazard zones.

Vertical launches require sturdy pads to withstand thrust. Horizontal ones mimic airport procedures, with vehicles taxiing before ascent. Reentries demand precise tracking for safe returns.

Spaceports host diverse missions. Some deploy communications satellites, others conduct microgravity experiments. Crewed flights add medical and life support elements.

Technology enhances efficiency. Automated systems handle data, while drones inspect sites. Spaceports integrate with national airspace, minimizing disruptions to commercial flights.

Safety and Regulations

Safety underpins all spaceport activities. The FAA sets standards for risk assessment, requiring operators to calculate potential hazards. Emergency plans cover evacuations and spill responses.

Regulations evolve with industry changes. The FAA updates rules for reusable vehicles and high-cadence launches. Inspections verify compliance, with penalties for violations.

Spaceports employ layered safety measures. Redundant systems prevent failures, and training simulates scenarios. Public notifications alert communities to launches.

Economic Impact

FAA licensed spaceports drive economic growth. They create high-skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and logistics. Huntsville’s spaceport supports thousands in aerospace.

Tourism boosts revenue. Visitors flock to watch launches at sites like Spaceport America. Supply chains benefit local businesses, from fuel suppliers to hotels.

States invest millions, expecting returns through taxes and innovation. Florida’s space industry generates billions annually. Spaceports attract investments, spurring startups.

Environmental Considerations

Spaceports address environmental effects. Launches produce noise and emissions, prompting monitoring. Sites like Kodiak protect wildlife habitats.

Mitigation includes timing launches to avoid migration seasons. Reusable rockets reduce waste. Environmental impact statements guide development.

Communities voice concerns over water use and land alteration. Spaceports engage stakeholders to balance progress with sustainability.

Future of Spaceports

The future holds expansion for FAA licensed spaceports. Demand for launches will rise with mega-constellations like Starlink. New sites may emerge in states like Washington.

Advancements include offshore platforms for flexible operations. Automation will streamline processes, increasing capacity.

International cooperation could link US spaceports with global networks. Challenges like funding and regulation will shape growth. Efforts to simplify licensing may accelerate development.

Summary

FAA licensed spaceports form the backbone of America’s commercial space sector. From Alabama’s reentry focus to Virginia’s vertical prowess, each contributes uniquely. They blend history, innovation, and caution, paving the way for continued exploration. As of August 2025, the network remains stable, with ongoing enhancements like potential reentry at Cecil. These gateways will connect Earth to the cosmos more reliably than ever.

What Questions Does This Article Answer?

• What functions do spaceports serve in relation to space travel?
• How does the FAA regulate and oversee commercial space activities in the United States?
• What are the different types of launch methods used by spaceports?
• How have the roles and responsibilities of spaceports evolved since the late 20th century?
• What are the primary benefits and challenges associated with spaceports?
• What is the licensing process for a spaceport to operate under FAA regulations?
• How do environmental considerations impact spaceport operations?
• Can you describe the economic impacts of FAA licensed spaceports on local economies?
• What are the future prospects and expansions planned for FAA licensed spaceports as of August 2025?
• How do spaceports handle safety regulations and emergency responses during operations?