WASHINGTON — Legislation launched today by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong would help Huntsville’s Spaceport status with funding for its projects.
Strong (R-Monrovia) said he introduced the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act to support the growing demands of the space transportation industry. The congressman is a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
The bill would provide eligible spaceports – such as the Huntsville International Spaceport – dedicated federal funding for infrastructure projects by modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching grants program.
“The U.S. is the global leader in space, and North Alabama is at the forefront of that effort,” said 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.”
Spaceports are ground-based launch and reentry sites for spacecraft. Huntsville International Airport was the first commercial airport approved by the FAA to serve as a site for a space vehicle landing.
“We are very excited about the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act,” said Butch Roberts, CEO of Huntsville International Airport. “This legislation would secure funding for infrastructure investments that would enhance the ability of spaceports, including Huntsville International Airport, 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.
“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.”
Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.), 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,” Fong said. “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.”
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.”
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