Mojave Air & Space Port is America’s first licensed commercial spaceport for horizontal spacecraft launches. You’ll find a mix of classic aviation and wild new space tech getting tested across nearly 3,000 acres in California’s high desert.
Mojave Air & Space Port sits a couple miles east of Mojave in Kern County, California. It’s perched up at 2,801 feet in the high desert.
The spaceport covers about 2,998 acres and has three runways in operation. The main one stretches out to 12,503 feet, so even the big planes and spacecraft carrier vehicles have plenty of room.
Runway Specs:
Virgin Galactic runs SpaceShipTwo flights here. Scaled Composites builds and tests spacecraft on-site too.
Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl carrier aircraft calls Mojave home. Loads of aerospace companies have manufacturing and testing hangars inside the spaceport.
The FAA certified Mojave as America’s first commercial spaceport on June 17, 2004. That license specifically covers horizontal launches of reusable spacecraft.
Mojave is the first place in the U.S. where you’ll find a license for commercial horizontal spacecraft operations. The FAA sets the rules for all space launches here.
SpaceShipOne blasted off from Mojave in 2004, pulling off the first privately funded human suborbital mission. That flight proved the facility could meet federal space launch requirements.
The FAA keeps an eye on commercial space operations at Mojave. Every spacecraft test and launch must meet federal aviation safety standards.
Mojave’s high desert setting creates perfect conditions for aerospace testing. The dry air and wide-open skies make it ideal for experimental aircraft and spacecraft flights.
You’ll see both airport and space launch action here. Commercial airliners sometimes come in for storage or maintenance, while new spacecraft get built and tested just across the field.
Key Advantages:
The National Test Pilot School operates here, training more test pilots than anywhere else. That means Mojave has a deep bench of experienced aerospace folks supporting space operations.
Mojave Air & Space Port started as a tiny mining airfield and grew into America’s first inland commercial spaceport. Decades of military use and civilian innovation shaped Mojave into a proving ground for experimental aircraft and the birthplace of private spaceflight.
Back in 1935, Mojave opened as a small airfield for local gold and silver mining. The desert offered clear skies and lots of empty space—just right for aviation.
World War II changed everything. In 1942, the military saw Mojave’s value for training and testing. The base supported all sorts of military work through the 1940s.
The Navy ran drone programs at Mojave for a short time, but shut down operations in January 1947. The base sat empty for four years. The Korean War in 1951 brought the military back.
During those years, Mojave built up infrastructure that later helped commercial spaceflight take off. The long runways and remote location became real assets for future aerospace projects.
Mojave’s switch to civilian use opened doors for experimental aviation. Companies came here to test new aircraft designs far from busy airspace.
The airport became a spot for aircraft storage and heavy maintenance. The dry desert air helped preserve planes during long-term storage. Aerospace companies set up shop all over the place.
Air racing added some excitement in 1970. The airport hosted a 1000-mile Unlimited race—the first closed-course pylon race with pit stops. That event put Mojave on the aviation map.
Flight testing quickly became Mojave’s main gig. Restricted airspace, long runways, and almost no air traffic made it perfect for experimental programs. Companies could run risky flights without worrying about nearby towns.
In 2004, Mojave entered space history. SpaceShipOne became the first privately developed spacecraft to reach space from here. That flight showed the world commercial spaceflight could work outside government programs.
That same year, Mojave got the first commercial spaceflight license for a private airport in the U.S. Suddenly, regular space operations became possible.
Visionary leaders turned Mojave into America’s first inland space port. Over 60 companies started flight testing and space development at the site. The airport grew into a hub for aerospace innovation.
NASA took notice of Mojave’s role in commercial space. The spaceport became a test site for vehicles supporting NASA missions and commercial operations. Several spacecraft for NASA programs got their first real flights here.
Mojave keeps growing its place in commercial spaceflight. The facility focuses on flight testing, space industry growth, and aircraft maintenance.
More than 60 aerospace companies call Mojave Air & Space Port home, pushing the boundaries in spacecraft and aviation tech. These teams turned a desert airfield into America’s top commercial spaceflight test center, racking up milestones in civilian space exploration.
Scaled Composites changed the game in 2004 when their SpaceShipOne became the first privately built spacecraft to reach space. Burt Rutan, the company’s founder, designed this air-launched craft with a unique feathering system for safer reentry.
SpaceShipOne’s flights proved civilian companies could do what only governments had before. The spacecraft soared to 367,442 feet in its record run.
The team won the $10 million Ansari X Prize for flying two crewed missions in two weeks. That win launched the commercial space tourism industry.
Scaled Composites still operates at Mojave, focusing on experimental aircraft and advanced aerospace tech. Their SpaceShipOne story showed how small aerospace companies can compete in space with bold engineering.
Virgin Galactic set up big operations at Mojave to develop SpaceShipTwo, building on Scaled Composites’ design. The company ran extensive test flights for their commercial space tourism craft right here.
Virgin Galactic trained pilots, built spacecraft, and did ground support at Mojave. At its busiest, the company kept hundreds of engineers and techs on site.
The VSS Unity spacecraft completed multiple powered test flights from Mojave before Virgin Galactic shifted to Spaceport America in New Mexico. Those flights proved out safety systems and performance.
Virgin Galactic’s Mojave program helped put the spaceport on the map for suborbital tourism. Their testing gave the whole commercial spaceflight industry a boost.
Masten Space Systems builds vertical takeoff and landing spacecraft at Mojave, focusing on lunar landers and exploration vehicles. They specialize in precision landing tech for both government and commercial clients.
Their Xombie and Xodiac test vehicles flew hundreds of times at Mojave, showing off autonomous landing skills. Those flights tested guidance, propulsion, and flight control software.
Masten won NASA contracts to develop lunar landing tech for the Artemis program. Their spacecraft need to land cargo on the Moon with pinpoint accuracy.
These rocket-powered vehicles run on liquid oxygen and ethanol, so the exhaust is cleaner than traditional rocket fuels. Masten’s Mojave tests pushed reusable spacecraft tech forward and helped cut mission costs.
Stratolaunch built the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan at Mojave—385 feet from tip to tip. This giant serves as a flying launch pad for rockets carrying satellites.
The Stratolaunch carrier aircraft packs six Boeing 747 engines and two fuselages joined by a massive wing. The design lets it haul rockets up to 500,000 pounds to high altitude for launch.
Launching from the air offers some nice perks: more flexible launch spots and less atmospheric drag. The system can drop satellites into precise orbits more efficiently than old-school rockets.
Stratolaunch flew the big plane for the first time from Mojave in 2019, proving out its flight handling. They’re still working on rocket systems to launch from the carrier.
Mojave Air and Space Port has been the testing ground for some wild spacecraft that took commercial spaceflight from dream to reality. The facility’s specialized setup and big open airspace gave these pioneering vehicles a place to prove private companies could send people to space.
SpaceShipOne made history at Mojave in 2004 when Scaled Composites pulled off the first privately funded human spaceflight. The innovative aircraft design used a feathering wing system that rotated for safer reentry.
The project grabbed global headlines by winning the $10 million Ansari X Prize. That win showed commercial space travel could happen outside government programs.
SpaceShipOne launched from Mojave’s runways and climbed above 100 kilometers. Its success brought in new investment and proved civilian aerospace companies could build reliable spacecraft.
The design inspired Virgin Galactic’s later SpaceShipTwo. Both crafts use the air-launch setup, where a carrier plane drops the spaceship at high altitude before firing its rocket.
Rotary Rocket’s Roton ATV was a bold try at reusable launch tech in the late ’90s. The craft looked like a rocket but had spinning blades for landing, kind of like a helicopter.
Rotary Rocket ran three test flights of the Roton ATV at Mojave in 1999. The vehicle never got very high before the company ran into money problems.
The Roton’s single-stage-to-orbit idea aimed to slash launch costs. Engineers wanted it to blast off vertically and land using rotor blades.
Despite the cool ideas, the project ran into the hard realities of funding and technology. The company folded, showing just how tough it is to build orbital-class vehicles without deep pockets.
Mojave has seen a ton of unmanned aerial vehicle and experimental rocket testing—way beyond just crewed spacecraft. Its remote setting and unique airspace make it perfect for trying out non-traditional aircraft.
NASA taps into Mojave’s strengths for research on advanced propulsion systems. The agency teams up with private companies, leaning on the spaceport’s testing setup.
Masten Space Systems and others run rocket tests here, chasing precision landing and reusable launcher tech.
New aerospace companies keep showing up, working on everything from small satellite launchers to wild propulsion ideas. Mojave keeps its status as America’s top civilian aerospace test spot.
Mojave Air & Space Port stands out as America’s go-to civilian facility for supersonic flight testing. Its controlled airspace and custom infrastructure really set it apart.
The spaceport offers expert training and sits close to military test ranges, so it’s a sweet spot for pushing high-speed aircraft forward.
The National Test Pilot School is the only civilian test pilot training spot in the U.S., and it calls Mojave home.
They turn out some of the best aviators, folks who really get experimental aircraft and supersonic flight.
NTPS brings in pilots from all over—the U.S., Australia, India, and other allied countries. The curriculum dives into advanced flight test techniques, data crunching, and safety rules for high-performance jets.
A lot of NTPS grads end up working on supersonic programs right there at Mojave. They bring deep know-how in performance and risk management to the table.
The school and local aerospace companies work closely. That way, freshly trained test pilots can jump straight into active projects.
Engineers train alongside pilots at NTPS too. This mix makes sure flight test teams see both the technical and hands-on sides of supersonic testing.
Mojave gives companies direct access to the Bell X-1 Corridor. Here, jets can break Mach 1 over land without breaking noise rules.
This restricted airspace overlaps with Edwards Air Force Base and China Lake. The coordination between all these places allows for some pretty complex, long, high-speed test flights.
Real-time telemetry systems track aircraft as they go supersonic. Engineers watch speed, altitude, loads, and engine data as the jets punch through the sound barrier.
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 hit supersonic speeds in this corridor on January 28, 2025. That marked the first time a civilian-built supersonic jet broke the sound barrier on its own.
Test flights usually ramp up through speed ranges. Aircraft go from subsonic to around Mach 0.95 before they go full supersonic.
Edwards Air Force Base is right next to Mojave, and that’s a huge plus for supersonic research.
The base brings more restricted airspace and military expertise to civilian programs.
Historic planes like the X-1 and X-15 flew from Edwards, setting the standard for flight test procedures and safety. Civilian teams still use those protocols.
Airspace coordination between Mojave and Edwards lets test flights go longer and farther. Planes can switch between civilian and military zones as needed.
The close connection means engineers and pilots share insights on supersonic flight and testing methods.
Edwards also supports Mojave with advanced tracking and comms systems. This gives Mojave backup and extends coverage for high-speed flights.
The Mojave Air & Space Port offers specialized facilities for commercial spaceflight. There are three main runways, all ready for both planes and spacecraft.
It’s an FAA-certified spaceport with test areas and tracking systems for government and private missions.
Mojave runs three runways for all sorts of aerospace needs. The main one stretches over 12,000 feet and handles heavy spacecraft or transport planes. Two more runways give backup and let them run multiple ops at once.
Over 60 hangars dot the 3,300-acre site. Some are standard, others are climate-controlled for spacecraft assembly. Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites have their own hangars with heavy-lift gear and clean rooms.
Hangar highlights:
They can store aircraft for a short stay or long-term. Some airlines even use Mojave to retire planes or recover parts.
Mojave is home to the National Test Pilot School, which trains more experimental pilots than anywhere else. The school has simulators, classrooms, and direct runway access.
Special test areas support engine development and noise reduction research. Companies work on cockpit displays and big airframe mods in dedicated zones with sound meters and data systems.
Research capabilities:
Testing happens both indoors and out. Mojave’s weather is usually clear, so there’s little rain to mess up plans. The open airspace means tests don’t get interrupted.
Mojave operates inside Edwards Air Force Base’s R-2508 complex. This gives them access to military-grade tracking and safety systems.
Spacecraft use these systems and follow range safety rules and comms networks.
Tracking stations on the ground watch over spacecraft during flight. These stations sync with FAA air traffic to keep things safe with commercial planes. Real-time data keeps both piloted and unpiloted missions in check.
Tracking features:
The high desert location helps tracking—less electromagnetic interference, higher elevation, and clear skies. Edwards’ support extends tracking beyond Mojave itself.
Mojave Air and Space Port keeps key partnerships with federal agencies. The FAA handles oversight and funding. NASA backs research. The Department of Defense teams up thanks to nearby Edwards.
NASA works side by side with Mojave to push commercial spaceflight research. They test new tech and help private space companies launch the next big thing.
The focus is on testing experimental aircraft and spacecraft. NASA engineers and private teams check out designs at Mojave before heading to orbit.
Projects here often test propulsion and flight controls. NASA brings the technical chops, companies bring fresh ideas. Mojave’s wide-open airspace is perfect for these flights.
The high desert location means clear skies and little air traffic. NASA and partners can run tests without worrying about commercial planes.
The Federal Aviation Administration manages all spaceport operations at Mojave. The FAA recently pitched in an $8 million grant through the Airport Improvement Program for runway upgrades.
The money goes to Runway 12-30, Mojave’s main runway for planes and spacecraft. The FAA sees Mojave as a big player in America’s commercial space scene.
FAA officials also shape national spaceport strategy, with Mojave as a core site. Federal groups look at how spaceports can work together as the industry grows.
Safety and compliance always come first. The FAA sets the rules for launches and reentry vehicles at Mojave.
Edwards Air Force Base is just down the road from Mojave, so defense collaborations come easy.
Military contractors use Mojave for testing. The Department of Defense gets access to specialized facilities and a skilled workforce.
This relationship covers testing, emergency support, and airspace coordination. Mojave and Edwards sync flight ops to keep the shared airspace safe.
Defense ties help keep the region’s aerospace scene strong. Over 60 companies work at Mojave, many serving both commercial and military clients.
Mojave Air and Space Port is a top training ground for aerospace pros and students. The National Test Pilot School leads education, and STEM programs connect local students to the space industry.
The National Test Pilot School is the world’s top spot for test pilot training, right at Mojave. Since 1981, NTPS has trained pilots from the military, aerospace companies, government, and private industry.
The school runs out of a 42,400 square foot hangar and classroom. Two more hangars handle jet maintenance, each 13,600 square feet. Another 15,000 square foot building keeps helicopters and prop planes in shape.
NTPS has joint agreements with the US Air Force and Navy. This gives students access to restricted airspace R2515 and Military Operations Area 25-08. They get hands-on experience in real test flights.
Training covers:
International students show up regularly. Aerospace companies send their pilots for certification. Government agencies depend on NTPS to produce qualified people.
Having over 60 aerospace companies nearby is a big plus for students. They get to see commercial spaceflight development and testing up close.
Mojave Air and Space Port teams up with local schools to inspire future aerospace talent. The National Test Pilot School Summer Flight Test Academy invites high schoolers each June for an intense aerospace crash course.
Recently, 16 students joined five days of hands-on learning. They tried simulators, sat through classes, and met top test pilots. The program connects book smarts to real aerospace work.
Academy activities:
Local companies help out with tours and guest talks. Students see spacecraft development, engine tests, and flight ops in action.
The focus is on real skills for the commercial space industry. Students learn about inspections, engine work, and cockpit tech from the companies right there at Mojave.
These partnerships open doors from school to jobs. Many students go on to study aerospace engineering and come back to work at Mojave.
Mojave Air & Space Port has a pretty wild collection of aerospace artifacts from decades of aviation and space exploration. You can wander through three main areas packed with everything from NASA research jets to experimental spacecraft that basically kicked off commercial space tourism.
Legacy Park really stands out among Mojave’s public displays. At the center, there’s a full-size model of SpaceShipOne—the spaceship that pulled off the first privately funded human spaceflight back in 2004.
Scaled Composites built SpaceShipOne under Burt Rutan’s guidance, and the team snagged the $10 million Ansari X Prize. That win pretty much opened the door for commercial space tourism as we know it.
You’ll also find the Roton Atmospheric Test Vehicle here. Rotary Rocket came up with this oddball spacecraft idea, which had a rotating aerospike engine and helicopter rotor for landing.
The Roton was one of the early stabs at reusable launch tech. The project aimed for cheap satellite launches but ran out of funding by 2001.
Visitors can stroll through Legacy Park any time during daylight. The displays sit right across from the main admin building, so they’re easy to get to if you’re into space tourism history.
Three old-school aircraft greet you at the airport entrance. Each one highlights a different chapter of Mojave’s aerospace story.
The Convair 990 Coronado stands out as a NASA research jet, tail number 810. NASA used this narrow-body for testing Space Shuttle wheels and brakes in the 1980s.
It’s actually the only Convair 990 on public display in the U.S. The plane started life flying passengers for American Airlines before NASA picked it up for research.
Next to it, there’s a McDonnell Douglas QF-4 Phantom II. BAE Systems converted this classic fighter into an unmanned target drone for military tests.
The F-4 Phantom hit Mach 2.2, and its sonic booms used to rattle the desert during test flights out of Mojave.
Rounding out the trio is the SAAB TF-35 Draken. This Swedish supersonic fighter served with the National Test Pilot School, training pilots and engineers for the aerospace world.
Mojave’s dry desert air makes it perfect for parking and maintaining aircraft. The place acts as both a boneyard and a playground for experimental planes.
If you’re lucky, you might spot the Scaled Composites Stratolaunch. With a wingspan of 385 feet, it’s the biggest aircraft in the world by that measure.
Stratolaunch started out as a launcher for orbital rockets. Now, it’s all about hypersonic test vehicles. That twin-fuselage design? Pretty wild, honestly.
The Stargazer Lockheed L-1011 hangs around Mojave too. This old wide-body airliner hauls the Pegasus rocket under its belly to launch satellites from the sky.
Lots of other aircraft just sit in storage, waiting for their next move. Some get converted for new jobs, others end up as spare parts donors.
The boneyard never stays the same for long. Planes come and go, and it keeps Mojave feeling like a working aerospace hub, not just some dusty museum.
The Mojave Air and Space Port has turned into a major pillar of America’s commercial space industry. Private aerospace companies fuel economic growth here, and the place draws top talent from all over.
It’s wild to think this all started as a World War II airfield. Now, the spaceport generates solid revenue and has carved out a spot as a crucial player in the global space economy.
Mojave really became the heart of commercial spaceflight after it landed the first commercial spaceport license in the U.S. back in 2004. That happened right after Scaled Composites launched SpaceShipOne from here in 2003, pulling off the first privately funded human suborbital flight.
Private space companies flocked to Mojave for its affordable test sites and flexible rules. Rotary Rocket kicked things off, and then a bunch of teams joined in for the Ansari X Prize.
Small aerospace outfits especially love Mojave’s remote location and specialized infrastructure. The site has dedicated runways, test zones, and regulatory setups built for experimental aircraft and spacecraft.
Private spaceflight at Mojave just keeps growing. Companies come here to test, integrate, and launch next-gen spacecraft—pretty much everything they need to move forward.
Mojave Air and Space Port’s impact spreads way past its fences. It creates jobs and brings in revenue throughout California’s high desert.
Aerospace companies based here employ hundreds of engineers, techs, and support staff. These folks help drive the local economy.
Revenue flows in from leases, fuel sales, maintenance, and testing. Space companies pay to use the specialized test facilities and runways.
The spaceport also attracts investment from out of state. Companies build new facilities, buy gear, and commit to long-term operations, which benefits local contractors and suppliers.
Tourism tied to space activities adds another boost to the area.
Mojave Air and Space Port keeps evolving as a hub for commercial spaceflight. Right now, there are new infrastructure projects in the works, and more space companies are setting up shop.
Strategic partnerships and planned upgrades will let the spaceport handle more launches and testing.
Space companies at Mojave are lining up some big missions. Virgin Galactic stays active here, running suborbital flights for tourists and researchers. The company keeps tweaking its spacecraft tech and flight routines to fly more often.
Masten Space Systems uses Mojave’s test facilities to work on lunar landers and suborbital systems. Astrobotic bought Masten and plans to keep flying out of Mojave, bringing over 200 employees to work on next-gen spacecraft.
Smaller aerospace companies also use Mojave for testing new space access tech. They benefit from the remote location and year-round good weather for flight tests.
The Mojave Air and Space Port Board of Directors approved plans for up to 24 new hangars for general aviation. This expansion focuses on the west side of the flight line and should make it a lot easier to house more aircraft and spacecraft.
New test facilities and upgrades support the bump in spaceflight activity. The site now boasts a refreshed visitor center and better dining options for everyone working or stopping by.
The spaceport keeps building specialized infrastructure for space companies, like dedicated spots for spacecraft assembly and testing. These improvements help Mojave attract more aerospace businesses looking for solid testing and launch facilities.
Mojave Air and Space Port aims to stay at the center of the booming commercial space industry. Its wide-open desert location is perfect for testing the next wave of aircraft and spacecraft.
The team plans to add more infrastructure to support frequent launches and bigger vehicles. They want to handle both suborbital tourism and full-on orbital missions as the industry expands.
Space companies of all sizes keep coming here to develop new tech. This mix of startups and big names creates a collaborative vibe, where everyone shares expertise and resources while pushing the boundaries of spaceflight.
The Mojave Air and Space Port gets a lot of questions about jobs, public viewing spots, visitor amenities, boneyard tours, and live streams. Aerospace companies ranging from rocket builders to spacecraft developers call this premier test facility home.
You’ll find all kinds of aerospace work here—rocket motor testing, spacecraft manufacturing, and experimental flight programs. Companies run hot fire propulsion tests and put new aircraft designs through their paces.
Scaled Composites works out of Mojave and built SpaceShipOne, which flew the first privately funded human suborbital mission. XCOR Aerospace has also had a presence here.
The site supports general aviation alongside cutting-edge space projects. Manufacturers use Mojave for spacecraft testing and assembly too.
The spaceport’s website has a careers section with current job openings. The admin offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, if you want to ask about jobs in person.
You’ll find career opportunities both with the airport authority and with the tenant aerospace companies. The variety of operations means roles in aviation, spacecraft development, and support services.
Interested folks can reach out directly through the staff directory. The aerospace companies post their own job openings as well.
The Voyager Restaurant gives you a distant look at the aircraft storage areas from its fenced-in patio. Visitors have to stay inside the fenced spot, though.
Every third Saturday, Plane Crazy Saturdays open up the Transient Ramp for public viewing. The Mojave Transportation Museum runs these events, and you can see planes that have flown in for the occasion.
During these events, you can also check out the area under the old tower for aircraft viewing. There are boundaries to keep everyone safe, so you can’t wander too far on the ramp.
The Administration Building’s halls are lined with historic photos and displays showing off decades of aerospace milestones. It’s a cool walk through Mojave’s past.
Legacy Park sits just across from the Admin Building and honors the visionaries who made aerospace history here. It’s a quiet spot to soak in the legacy of aviation and space exploration.
At the airport entrance, you’ll find a Static Display with aircraft and vehicles in an open-air setup. These exhibits really show off the pioneering spirit and tech progress that define the place.
Nope, the spaceport doesn’t offer public tours of the boneyard. Private companies own and run those storage areas, and they keep things pretty private for daily operations.
Storage companies enforce strict access rules for security and business reasons. Visitors can’t enter the boneyard or get up close to the stored planes.
The Voyager Restaurant patio is the only spot where the public can view the storage areas, and even then, it’s from a distance. That setup respects the privacy of the storage operators while letting people catch a glimpse.
It looks like the Mojave Air and Space Port doesn’t run any public webcams for people to watch airport activity online.
Instead, the facility puts its energy into hosting in-person viewing during scheduled events.
Aviation fans can actually head out there for the monthly Plane Crazy Saturdays and get live viewing experiences.
Honestly, these events offer a much richer experience than just watching a webcam.
The spaceport invites folks to come out and see their static displays and check out the facilities firsthand.
If you visit in person, you can interact with the displays and really get a feel for how everything works.
