Sierra Vista poised to become key space reentry site

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the results of a feasibility study for establishing a spaceport reentry site in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The meeting featured presentations from key stakeholders, including Kevin Hatton, Chief Operating Officer of Launch on Demand, who outlined the study's findings and implications for the region.

The feasibility study, conducted over several months, involved collaboration with multiple partners, including local Arizona companies focused on environmental assessments and public safety analyses. Hatton emphasized the significant growth in the space industry, noting that the number of FAA-licensed launches and reentries has surged from 33 in 2020 to 117 so far in 2023, with projections suggesting this could reach 338 by 2028.

Currently, there are only two licensed reentry sites in the United States, both located in the eastern part of the country. If approved, Sierra Vista would become the third and the first west of the Mississippi River, providing logistical advantages for space operations and enhancing the region's appeal to commercial space ventures.

The study highlighted several potential benefits of establishing a reentry site, including economic development through job creation in high-tech sectors, increased airport utilization due to existing infrastructure, and educational opportunities for local universities and students interested in space-related projects. Additionally, the project could bolster the presence of Fort Huachuca, aligning with national interests in expanding the U.S. space transportation infrastructure.

Hatton concluded by outlining the operational concept for the reentry vehicles, which would include modern spaceplanes capable of landing at the proposed site. The meeting underscored the growing interest in commercial space activities and the potential for Sierra Vista to play a pivotal role in the future of the U.S. space industry.