Congressman Dale W. Strong, R-Ala., Wednesday introduced legislation to support the growing demands of the space transportation industry. The SPACEPORT Act would provide eligible spaceports – such as the Huntsville International Spaceport – dedicated federal funding for infrastructure projects.
The Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act would modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching (STIM) grants program to address the increased demand for civil, commercial, and national security space launch and reentry activities.
“The U.S. is the global leader in space, and North Alabama is at the forefront of that effort,” said Rep. Dale Strong. “As former Chairman of the Madison County Commission, I worked closely with local city officials and commercial space stakeholders to secure Huntsville International Airport’s designation as the first entry site for space vehicle landings. I understand the preparation, coordination, and support required to safely and efficiently manage space launches and reentries. North Alabama is ready to leverage our unparalleled civil, commercial, and national security space expertise to support space infrastructure projects and the future of space exploration.”
Congressman Vince Fong, R-CA, a fellow member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, joined as a co-sponsor.
“I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the SPACEPORT Act. It is critical that we support our spaceports by providing the infrastructure the commercial space industry needs to fly, innovate, and grow. This legislation will help fund infrastructure to allow the continued development of America’s commercial spaceports, including Mojave Air & Space Port in my district. I want to thank Rep. Dale Strong for leading this legislation and for his commitment to this program as we help advance commercial space efforts in America,” said Rep. Vince Fong.
Spaceports are ground-based launch and reentry sites for spacecraft. Huntsville International Airport (HSV) was the first commercial airport approved by the FAA to serve as a reentry site to receive a space vehicle landing.
“We are very excited about the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act. This legislation would secure funding for infrastructure investments that would enhance the ability of spaceports, including Huntsville International Airport (HSV), to accommodate future commercial space transportation needs. HSV is the first commercial airport in the U.S. to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as a reentry site for space vehicle landings,” said Butch Roberts, CEO, Huntsville International Airport. “The landing of Dream Chaser at Huntsville International Airport is part of a vision for community growth that builds upon our history of space, science, and exploration, and this legislation will help us compete for future commercial space economic opportunities. We applaud Congressman Strong for his leadership in support of legislation that will ensure strong and resilient space transportation capabilities.”
The Commerical Space Federation, a leading voice in the commercial spaceflight industry, said the following of the SPACEPORT Act: “Diversified space launch infrastructure is vital to the resilience of our nation’s space enterprise, which supports our economic and national security as we face great power competition from China,” said Dave Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation. “I applaud Representative Strong for introducing this important legislation.”