Selecting a Spaceport Location

Commercial spaceports are growing across the country, and Kimley-Horn is leading the charge in developing these sites for vertical, horizontal, and non-traditional launch systems. Kimley-Horn Aerospace practice leaders and planners Brian Gulliver, LEED AP, and Elyse Mize spoke with Aerospace Testing International to share their expertise on considerations for selecting great launch site locations.

According to Gulliver and Mize, the basic needs of commercial spaceports vary based on their use and location. Some critical components and infrastructure may include:

• Compatible airspace and land use
• Launch pad or runway
• Safety buffers for launch operations
• Access to utilities (water, power, communications)
• Mission control and vehicle processing facilities
• Physical security measures

Read the full Aerospace Testing International article to learn more about selecting a spaceport location.