The Las Vegas Spaceport is a $310 million project aiming to put Nevada on the map for commercial space tourism. Rob Lauer’s team wants to blend horizontal launch tech with tourism, making it America’s newest inland spaceport.
Rob Lauer imagines the Las Vegas Spaceport working more like an airport than a typical rocket launch site. Spaceplanes will take off and land just like regular airplanes.
The site stretches across 240 acres in Clark County. It sits between Las Vegas and Pahrump, which seems pretty smart if you want to avoid coastal weather headaches.
Lauer’s group has mapped out far more than just launch pads. They want to build a flight school for aerospace engineers and a 200-room casino resort for space tourists.
They’re hoping to draw in international space companies. Lauer keeps repeating his pitch that Las Vegas is “open for business” for aerospace ventures looking for a reliable inland launch option.
Key project components include:
The Las Vegas Spaceport project started its regulatory journey in 2024. Lauer’s team filed for an FAA license to operate as an inland spaceport.
Clark County Commission and the FAA both gave the site the “Las Vegas Executive Airport” label. They plan to start runway construction in early 2025, right after finishing the drainage reports.
The FAA usually takes about two years to approve licensing. While waiting, Lauer’s crew plans to pave the initial runway, which will handle the two training jets they just picked up.
They’ll start with conventional aircraft, then gradually add spaceplane operations. This phased rollout lets them earn revenue and get experience before jumping into full-on commercial space flights.
Clark County commissioners gave a unanimous green light for airstrip construction. That was a big win for the project.
The FAA also approved the new executive airport near Pahrump. This 240-acre spot anchors the bigger spaceport development plans.
Lauer has reached out to the U.S. Space Force about possible collaborations. They’re talking about building facilities that could help with national defense launches.
GE Aerospace is developing a new hypersonic dual-mode ramjet engine. That’s a big deal—it brings three times more airflow than earlier engines and could make orbital flights possible.
Nevada now joins Florida, California, Texas, and Colorado in the race to build out space economy infrastructure. It’s a big step for the state’s commercial spaceflight ambitions.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved a new 240-acre executive airport near Pahrump in July 2024. Clark County commissioners also backed the project, issuing construction permits to kickstart commercial space tourism.
The FAA, under the Commercial Space Launch Act, oversees commercial spaceflight. This setup puts the Department of Transportation in charge, making sure space tourists get safety protections through licensing.
Recently, the FAA updated its launch and reentry licensing rules. The Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Final Rule now covers all commercial space vehicle operations with one set of regulations.
Space tourism companies need to get the right licenses and permits before they start flying. The FAA offers guides and tools to help companies figure out what they need.
The agency still decides when the space tourism industry is ready for tighter safety rules. Back in 2019, the FAA told Congress that the sector just wasn’t there yet.
Clark County commissioners approved construction permits for the Las Vegas Spaceport last month. Local support pushed the project ahead after FAA approval.
The facility sits on 240 acres of desert near Pahrump. County leaders see the project as a way to bring thousands of good jobs to Las Vegas and Nevada.
Robert Lauer, CEO of Las Vegas Spaceport, says the county’s backing matters for the project’s bigger vision. They expect to break ground in the next three months.
The dual approval process meant they needed both federal and local green lights. Clark County’s unanimous vote shows the region is serious about space tourism.
The new airport will launch both commercial and private space tourism ventures. Las Vegas is lining up alongside companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin.
Las Vegas, with its flair for entertainment and risk-taking, seems like a natural fit for space tourism. The city looks set to become a top spot for people wanting to try spaceflight.
The project will create a strong space economy and lots of jobs. The Las Vegas Spaceport expects to add thousands of high-paying positions across the area.
The FAA keeps watch over commercial space tourism as the sector grows. They’re letting innovation happen while keeping an eye on safety for future civilian space travelers.
Nevada’s space tourism sector is taking shape thanks to experienced leaders and solid partnerships. Robert Lauer heads up the Las Vegas Spaceport, while his teams coordinate with government and aerospace partners to make Nevada a space tourism hotspot.
Robert Lauer is CEO of both Las Vegas Spaceport and United Spaceports Corporation. He brings a background in commercial real estate to Nevada’s space push.
Background and Vision
Lauer moved from military service to real estate in Las Vegas. He spotted underused land between Las Vegas and Pahrump as the perfect place for a spaceport. His vision blends executive airport services with space tourism.
The planned site covers over 200 acres in Clark County, about 31 miles from the Strip. It’s close to big airports and not far from Nellis Air Force Base.
Strategic Approach
Lauer wants to vertically integrate space companies. He’s buying up aerospace firms and moving them to the spaceport facility. That way, everything’s in one place.
United Spaceports Corporation plans to go public soon. This opens investment doors in Nevada’s space tourism scene. Lauer’s company focuses on real assets and proven tech—not just hype.
The Las Vegas Spaceport relies on partnerships with government agencies and aerospace contractors. These relationships help them stay compliant and actually get things done.
Government Partnerships
Space Force commanders work with the spaceport team on national security projects. The inland location offers backup for satellite launches if coastal sites are out of commission.
Clark County gave the go-ahead for construction. The FAA signed off on the executive airport. With those approvals, construction and operations can move forward.
Industry Collaborations
The spaceport wants to launch air taxi services across Las Vegas Valley. They’re considering twelve landing sites for helicopters and air taxis, tying space tourism to local transit.
Universities pitch in too, with NASA-backed research. The Desert Research Institute runs Nevada NASA Programs meetings each year. These connections help grow the workforce and share new tech for space commercialization.
Nevada’s geography and friendly business climate make it a sweet spot for space tourism. The desert landscape and closeness to big cities give it an edge for commercial spaceflight.
The Las Vegas Spaceport will be just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas. That’s perfect for space tourists who want to stick close to the Strip and McCarran International Airport.
Visitors can pair a spaceflight with classic Vegas fun. The short trip means you don’t have to go far from hotels or entertainment.
Clark County gave construction permits in 2024. The site will cover 240 acres, with a 40-acre airstrip at the heart.
This $310 million project targets both commercial and private space tourism. Las Vegas already brings in millions of people looking for something different.
Space tourism companies can tap into this crowd of thrill-seekers. The city’s love for luxury and adventure fits right in with premium space experiences.
Nevada’s desert offers real perks for space launches. There’s plenty of wide-open space for safety during launches and landings.
Clear skies and steady weather mean flights can happen almost any time. Desert airspace is less crowded than the coasts, too.
The land between Las Vegas and Pahrump gives them room to grow. They can add runways and new facilities as needed.
Nevada’s pro-business rules help aerospace projects get off the ground. The state actively encourages space industry growth.
Sparse population nearby keeps safety risks low. The open terrain also makes it easier to track planes and spacecraft.
The FAA has already signed off on the executive airport. Nevada’s now a step closer to joining the big leagues with Florida, California, Texas, and Colorado.
Nevada’s space tourism setup centers on horizontal launch systems for spaceplanes, and the Las Vegas Spaceport is leading the charge for inland launches. They plan to combine advanced ramjet engines with satellite deployment, hoping to create a one-stop shop for space tourism.
The Las Vegas Spaceport runs as a horizontal launch facility just west of Las Vegas, near Pahrump. This setup lets spacecraft take off and land on runways, not just vertical rocket pads.
The team has applied for FAA licensing as an inland spaceport. Clark County already dubbed the site “Las Vegas Executive Airport.” They’ll pave the first runway in early 2025 for their training jets.
GE Aerospace’s new ramjet engine is at the center of the tech vision. This dual-mode hypersonic engine brings in three times more airflow than older models. With it, spaceplanes could reach orbit or zip halfway around the world in just hours.
The inland site avoids the weather problems that plague coastal facilities. Nevada gets 300+ sunny days a year, way more than Florida. Inland launches also offer backup for national defense if hurricanes hit the coasts.
Las Vegas Spaceport has teamed up with partners to offer satellite launch services alongside space tourism. Working with O-G Launch boosts their commercial reach beyond just flying people.
These partnerships help Nevada compete with space states like Florida, California, Texas, and Colorado. The spaceport wants to serve both commercial and private space ventures.
Plans include all the standard aerospace infrastructure—hangars, fuel vendors, and fixed-base operators. That way, different launch providers can all use the same site.
Nevada’s space tourism industry is picking up speed, offering everything from quick suborbital hops to full astronaut training. The Las Vegas Spaceport is shaping up to be a major launchpad for both commercial flights and hands-on prep experiences.
Space tourism companies mainly offer two types of flights for regular folks. Suborbital flights rocket you up past 50 miles, letting you float in zero gravity for a few wild minutes and catch a glimpse of the Earth’s curve.
Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin handle these trips pretty often. They bring passengers back down after the thrill ride.
Orbital flights are the top-tier experience. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule can take private travelers all the way to the International Space Station for a multi-day adventure.
These missions cost a lot more, but you get to orbit Earth several times and live like a real astronaut. You’ll spend days in zero gravity and see the world from a whole new angle.
Once it’s finished, the Las Vegas Spaceport will handle both types of flights. Its 240-acre site in the desert is just right for spacecraft activities.
Private spaceflight companies will use the facility for launches and landings. With more options, maybe prices will drop for future space tourists.
If you want to fly to space, you’ll need to prepare. Most companies require medical clearances and some basic training for passenger safety.
Zero-gravity training gets you ready for weightlessness. Special planes fly in parabolic arcs, giving you a taste of floating around.
Future space tourists get to practice moving without gravity. This training also helps cut down on motion sickness when the real mission comes.
Astronaut training programs cover essential skills. You’ll learn about spacecraft systems, emergency procedures, and how to communicate in space.
Training time depends on your mission. Suborbital trips only need a few days, but orbital flights take months of serious prep.
Nevada facilities offer all kinds of training as the industry grows. The state’s aerospace resources support everything from quick orientations to advanced courses.
Nevada’s space tourism scene thrives on strategic partnerships between spaceports, launch providers, and aerospace companies. The Las Vegas Spaceport leads the way, especially with its partnership with O-G Launch. More alliances are likely on the horizon as commercial space access expands across the state.
Las Vegas Spaceport teamed up with O-G Launch in August 2023. This deal joins Robert Lauer’s spaceport crew with Robert Feierbach’s satellite launch company.
O-G Launch does things a bit differently. They use a customized Boeing 757 to fly rockets up to 40,000 feet, then launch from there. This air-launch approach cuts costs and allows for more flexible scheduling.
Key Partnership Benefits:
Feierbach brings a ton of aerospace experience, with time at SpaceX, Maxar, and other big names. His leadership in both US and European companies adds valuable technical know-how for Nevada’s operations.
The partnership helps meet rising demand for satellites. Industry forecasts say 100,000 satellites will launch in the next decade. Cape Canaveral can’t handle all that, so Nevada’s spaceports have a real shot at picking up the slack.
Las Vegas Spaceport wants to raise $310 million to build out its facilities. The plans include launch pads, runways for spaceplanes, control towers, flight schools, and a 200-room casino resort.
Nevada attracts both big aerospace companies and scrappy startups. The state’s business-friendly vibe and location make it a magnet for space tech development.
Potential Partnership Areas:
The spaceport tapped former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez to lead its STEM Academy. This move draws in universities and research partners.
Nevada’s spot between major cities gives it a market edge. Companies can reach customers from California, Arizona, and other western states faster than from Florida.
Insurance firms are even rolling out special space tourism policies. As commercial flights ramp up, these partnerships will be key for managing risk.
Space tourism is bringing big money into Nevada. The industry creates high-paying aerospace jobs and draws wealthy visitors who splurge on luxury stays and unique experiences. Clark County is reaping the most benefits, thanks to its closeness to California’s aerospace scene and its already strong tourism setup.
Space tourism opens up specialized jobs all over Nevada. Engineers, technicians, and safety experts can earn anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 a year. Nevada’s universities now offer aerospace programs to train for these roles.
Manufacturing sites in Nevada build parts for spacecraft systems. Companies working with NASA’s Artemis program prove the state can handle tough aerospace contracts. Already, ten Nevada suppliers play a role in major space missions.
Clark County leads with jobs in mission control, spacecraft maintenance, and customer experience. Hospitality staff get special training for high-net-worth space tourists, and ground crews earn certifications for aerospace work.
Community colleges partner with training programs to build a skilled workforce. Nevada’s low business taxes attract aerospace firms looking for affordable bases near California’s industry hubs.
Space tourists usually spend $25,000 to $50,000 beyond their ticket price when they visit Nevada. They book fancy suites, eat at top restaurants, and go for high-end experiences. Nevada’s tourism industry is well-prepared for these big spenders.
Hotels near spaceports charge premium rates during launches. Restaurants see a boost from groups celebrating their flights. Entertainment spots offer space-themed events to pull in this crowd.
Clark County’s casinos and resorts create special packages that mix gaming with space adventures. More private jets fly in as space tourists arrive from around the world. Ground transport companies upgrade their fleets with luxury vehicles for these exclusive guests.
The industry helps Nevada attract visitors year-round, not just during the usual busy seasons. Space tourism grabs media attention and puts Nevada on the map as more than just a gambling destination.
Nevada’s space tourism boom ties right into educational programs that prep the next generation of space pros and get the public involved. The Nevada System of Higher Education pulled in $3.4 million from NASA to boost STEM programs statewide.
The Nevada Space Grant Consortium runs educational programs across all state colleges. Students land internships, fellowships, and scholarships that connect them directly to NASA and space industry jobs.
Faculty get curriculum updates and hands-on training grants. These programs help teachers stay up-to-date with space tech and pass those skills on to students.
The Nevada Community of Practice focuses on community college students at four NSHE schools. This program offers NASA research experiences to keep students engaged and boost graduation rates.
Community colleges included:
Research projects get students working on NASA-aligned tasks. They pick up real-world experience with space tech and data analysis, which sets them up for careers in Nevada’s space sector.
Desert Research Institute delivers space education training for Nevada teachers. The sessions cover Artemis missions, deep space, and gravity wells.
Teachers earn continuing education credits and grab resources and hands-on tools they can use right away.
STEM programs reach K-12 students all over Nevada. These efforts bring NASA content and real space experiences into classrooms statewide.
Space camps and citizen science projects let the public get involved in space activities. These events spark community interest in space exploration and tourism.
The University of Nevada Reno Aerospace Club takes students on trips to “Aerospace Valley” in Southern California. They tour places like Mojave Air & Space Port and Edwards Air Force Base to see space operations up close.
Nevada has some of the darkest skies in the country, with several dark sky locations and stargazing spots close to major spaceports. Outside Las Vegas, the low population means ideal conditions for astronomy and space education programs.
Space fans will find Nevada’s proximity to aerospace sites perfect for stargazing. The Extraterrestrial Highway, running 98 miles north of Area 51, is famous for having some of the darkest skies in North America.
Cathedral Gorge State Park has 22 campsites with great night sky views. You can wander the Moon Slots canyon by day and watch the stars overhead at night. The slot canyons make for unique astrophotography backgrounds.
Great Basin National Park features five campgrounds and an astronomy amphitheater near Lehman Caves. Park rangers run astronomy programs with professional telescopes. The nearby Stargazer Inn offers a comfy base for multi-night observing trips.
Tonopah Stargazing Park is another example of Nevada’s commitment to space tourism. The facility offers telescope pads and shielded viewing areas. It’s just outside a small town, easy to reach from US Highway 95.
Nevada boasts two International Dark Sky Association certified sites for top-notch stargazing. Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary is among only 16 such places worldwide, holding the highest certification.
Great Basin National Park is the most accessible, with regular visitor programs. The astronomy amphitheater hosts ranger-led telescope sessions and talks about space exploration and commercial spaceflight.
The Ely Star Train offers a unique stargazing experience in summer. A Great Basin ranger joins passengers on this Northern Nevada Railway ride, bringing telescopes and teaching astronomy at remote dark sky stops. These trips fill up fast—reservations usually book out 18-24 months ahead.
These dark sky sites help Nevada’s space tourism industry by giving visitors hands-on astronomy experiences that go perfectly with spaceflight training and education.
Nevada’s space tourism scene keeps running into regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns. At the same time, the state eyes big growth through new partnerships and tech innovation.
Since Nevada sits close to established launch sites, companies see some unique advantages for expanding commercial spaceflight. That proximity could turn out to be a real game-changer.
Nevada’s push for space tourism has to navigate a maze of federal and state rules. The Federal Aviation Administration asks for some pretty extensive safety certifications before anyone can fly paying passengers.
As launch frequency rises, environmental impact assessments become a big deal. The desert ecosystems near potential spaceports need protection from rocket emissions and all that noise.
Key regulatory challenges include:
State agencies team up with the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation to make approvals less of a headache. Nevada’s government has even set up some tempting tax incentives to bring in aerospace companies, but they still keep safety standards high.
Rocket fuel production needs a lot of water, which is a problem in Nevada’s dry climate. Companies have to show they’re using sustainable practices if they want local support for their projects.
Nevada’s spot between California’s aerospace industry and existing spaceports gives it some serious expansion opportunities. The state offers wide open airspace and way fewer weather delays than the coasts.
Private companies are already eyeing Nevada for satellite launches and astronaut training. Defense contractors in the state feed a skilled workforce into space technology development.
Market expansion drivers include:
Tourism infrastructure around Las Vegas is ready for wealthy space tourists who want luxury before and after their flights. Nevada casinos already know how to cater to high-rollers looking for one-of-a-kind experiences.
The state expects space tourism to create thousands of jobs over the next decade. Manufacturing spacecraft components could bring in even more economic benefits.
Nevada’s new space tourism industry revolves around the upcoming Las Vegas Spaceport project. The facility plans to offer suborbital flights and other aerospace experiences, but most details are still in the works as construction continues.
Right now, no one’s running commercial space tourism flights out of Nevada. The Las Vegas Spaceport got construction approval from Clark County, but it’s not finished yet.
The $310 million project will eventually host aerospace companies for suborbital flights. Plans include a launch pad, runway for spaceplanes, and a control tower.
Major players like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX operate from other states at the moment. Maybe they’ll use Nevada’s facilities once the spaceport opens for business.
You can’t book a Nevada-based space tourism flight just yet. The Las Vegas Spaceport is still under construction and hasn’t announced when it’ll open.
If you’re interested, you’ll want to keep an eye on official updates. The spaceport will probably announce booking details once they’ve lined up aerospace partners.
For now, you’ll need to book through companies flying from other states. Think Spaceport America in New Mexico, or facilities in Texas and Florida.
Nevada hasn’t set official safety protocols for space tourism because nothing’s operational yet. The Las Vegas Spaceport will need to roll out detailed safety rules before anyone flies.
Every space tourism operation must follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations. These cover vehicle certification, pilot training, and passenger safety.
The spaceport will probably require medical screenings for everyone who wants to fly. Usually, that means cardiovascular checks and fitness evaluations.
Nobody’s announced pricing for Nevada space tourism flights so far. The Las Vegas Spaceport hasn’t released cost estimates for future flights.
Right now, space tourism prices elsewhere range from $450,000 to $55 million, depending on how long and how high you fly. Suborbital flights usually fall between $450,000 and $500,000 per passenger.
Nevada might try to offer competitive prices to attract visitors from the Las Vegas scene. Final costs will depend on which aerospace companies actually launch from the spaceport.
Training requirements for Nevada’s space tourism haven’t been set yet. Each aerospace company at the spaceport will decide what kind of prep they want.
Most companies ask for two or three days of pre-flight training. That usually covers safety briefings, emergency drills, and some zero-gravity practice.
Medical clearance is almost always required. Training also covers how to use the spacecraft and how to talk to ground control.
Nobody’s pinned down exact flight durations from Nevada facilities yet. The Las Vegas Spaceport plans to offer lots of different aerospace activities, and each one probably needs a different amount of time.
Most commercial suborbital flights? They run about 10 to 15 minutes. Passengers usually get 3 to 4 minutes of weightlessness when they hit the peak altitude, which is around 62 miles up.
The whole experience, though, takes up most of your day. You’ll go through ground activities, safety briefings, and post-flight procedures, so the timeline stretches out quite a bit.
