MOJAVE AIR & SPACE PORT Financing and the Establishment of a

www.makingitincalifornia.com Spaceport Proposal – 1

MOJAVE AIR & SPACE PORT Financing and the Establishment

of a Tourist Zone

The recommendation of a bond proposal for financing the Mojave Air & Space Port and

establishing a tourist zone.

Prepared by Joe Weichman May 9, 2013

Created Through the Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies Hub Grant at El Camino College

Grant #10-315-038 California Community College Chancellor’s Office

Workforce & Economic Development Division


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background 3

Introduction 4

Bond Characteristics 8 Economic Development 8 Education 11 Environment 14

Expenditure & Operational Details 18 Compatibilities 25 Conclusion 29


BACKGROUND This report was prepared by the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) at El Camino College (ECC), under the 2012-13 Hub grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic & Workforce Development (EWD) program. The ECC CACT helps area manufacturers and aerospace companies compete successfully in changing markets and the global economy. Through technology education, manufacturing training and services that contribute to continuous workforce development, the CACT provides expertise in technology deployment and business development. Services include onsite training, low-or-no cost technical assistance, and educational workshops, as well as information on how to qualify for state funds to assist with retraining employees and upgrading equipment. The EWD is an integral part of the California Community Colleges, investing funding and resources in key industry sectors. EWD's industry-specific programs invest in the skills of California's workforce – now and in the future – through highly specialized industry training, technical consulting and business development. The end result is the ability for businesses to better understand the trends and labor market pertaining to their industry, and make informed decisions about how to grow and compete.


INTRODUCTION

“The commercial spaceflight industry is already having a profound economic impact right in our backyard…”

-- Kevin McCarthy, California Congressman

SpaceShipTwo. Credit: Virgin Galactic

Commercial spaceflight is a fast-growing industry that will have a profound impact on California’s economy for many years to come. To what degree California prospers will largely depend on what actions the State takes to assist in the development of this emerging industry. California policymakers have already taken an important first step in passing legislation to limit liability for commercial spaceflight entities, but that is just one of many aspects that need addressing, as the commercial spaceflight industry requirements and challenges are unique. One of those issues that need addressing is the development of a spaceport (and related infrastructure) to maximize economic output. Fueling the growth in commercial spaceflight is a substantial desire/demand by the people for access to space, and California stands well-positioned to lead in this effort, due in large part to the Mojave Air & Space Port. It has a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license that allows for spaceflight-related operations, one of only several entities authorized for such activities.


Mojave Air & Space Port. Credit: Wikipedia

Mojave Air & Space Port. Credit: Wikipedia

Several states have already taken direct action to support the establishment of a spaceport. The most notable is the New Mexico spaceport, which opened in 2011 at a cost of $209 million, paid for by the taxpayers. State governments have also been attempting to lure California-based companies out of the state, offering tax incentives, regulatory alleviation and direct financing of establishing a spaceport.


New Mexico Spaceport. Credit: Virgin Galactic

By investing in the Mojave Air & Space Port, California can position itself to dominate this fast-growing industry for many decades to come.

Artists Impression of Future Terminal at Mojave Air & Space Port.


In-Development Habitat for Future Space Tourists. Credit: Bigelow Aerospace

Spaceports have the real potential to be a sustaining economic driver for many years into the future. According to an Associate Administrator from the FAA, within the next 10 years the space tourism industry is projected to be a billion dollar industry. In 2009, the Office of Commercial Space Transportation (part of the FAA) estimated that the commercial space sector generated $208.3 billion in economic activity, a more than 300 percent increase since 1999. The Mojave Air & Space Port has already attained some impressive economic successes. During 2009, while still in the global economic downturn, revenue increased by 11 percent from the 40 businesses operating out of Mojave. This, along with the projected economic activity, clearly highlights the importance of the spaceport. With appropriate action from the State of California, the Mojave Air & Space Port can become something that will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the world, as well as help to usher in a bright economic future.

Test at Mojave. Credit: Masten Space Systems


BOND CHARACTERISTICS

“Commercial spaceflight represents the type of dynamic innovation that we need to create 21st century jobs.”

-- Bill Richardson, Former New Mexico Governor There are three components that would make up this bond proposal: economic development, education, and the environment. Economic Development Developing the Mojave Air & Space Port would ensure that the federally-licensed spaceport can continue to accommodate the commercial spaceflight industry for many decades to come. This would lead to a consistent, robust revenue stream for the State of California. Coupled with establishing the Mojave area as a major tourist destination, the area would eventually match and exceed the economic output of Silicon Valley.

Artist's Concept of a Future Spaceport. Credit: NASA

Under this proposal, there would be a variety of unique tourist destinations in the Mojave area, including the spaceport, a space-based education center, and a desert botanical garden. The proximity to Las Vegas and Los Angeles creates an opportunity to


market/develop pathways for tourists to include the Mojave area in their vacation plans. Driving from Las Vegas to Mojave is about three hours, and from LAX less than two hours. Filming opportunities would be increased by way of expanded infrastructure. The Mojave Air & Space Port has existing capabilities to attract filming, but this proposal would expand those opportunities even further. Also, given the proposed variety of infrastructure, one can assume that filming expansion would not be limited to the spaceport, but to all other facilities listed within this proposal.

Filming at Mojave. Credit: Mojave Air & Space Port

A business incubator specific to space-related industries would go a long way in creating jobs and increasing economic growth. A business incubator, which generally targets startups and early-stage companies in a specific industry, provides assistance to businesses in several ways, including marketing, access to capital, and technology commercialization. A business incubator would further enhance the overall economic contribution of the commercial spaceflight industry to California’s economy, as well as provide a capability to respond to changing workforce needs.


Digital Media Center Business Incubator at Santa Ana College. Credit: RSCCD

Finally, a Research Park would be established, which would further add to maximizing economic output via technology commercialization, supplying a highly-skilled workforce, and increased opportunities to acquire federal funding and attract private investment.

Spaceport Research Park

Filming & Tourism

Business Incubator

ECONOMICS


Education An education center focused on space would provide unmatched educational resources. It would be a substantial boost to informal science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, an area of substantial importance. The space education center would also serve as one of three primary tourist destinations, which also increases the likelihood that tourists would stay for longer periods in the area. The space education center would include a planetarium, space exploration simulators, observatories, space-specific educational galleries, an in-door skydiving activity, a hydroponics lab, IMAX space-related movie experiences, and more. Additional details contained herein.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Spaceport

Desert Botanical Garden

Space Education

Center


Simulator at the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. Credit: Stuart Johnson, Deseret News A Research Park would further serve the needs of higher education research while simultaneously stimulating economic activity. Not the same as a business incubator, a Research Park generally consists of a location where government, industry (large & small businesses), and academia (higher education) are housed within a single area, creating unique opportunities that benefit all parties involved. Some standard activities between such entities at a Research Park include working together on R&D projects, technology transfer, cooperative equipment/lab access agreements, and more. To be utilized by the UC/CSU system, the Research Park would also house the business incubator.

University Research Park located at UW – Madison. Credit: Board of Regents – UW System


A desert botanical garden would be established, creating yet another tourist destination. With three major tourist venues, visitors would be encouraged to stay longer periods, and subsequently spend more money in California. The desert botanical garden would have a greenhouse on-site, and a ~55 foot (five-story) viewing platform. From the educational side, a visitor center would include three desert exhibits and two research labs, among other education-related offerings.

Desert Botanical Garden. Credit: Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Desert Botanical Garden. Credit: www.americapictures.net


Environment Spaceports have a vested interest in keeping the immediate area free from any substantial development. Tall infrastructure or a dense population within immediate proximity to an area would have a difficult time receiving (or maintaining) a spaceport license from the FAA. In general, the area needs be unobstructed for operational purposes and to maximize safety. Consequently, spaceports must keep a significant amount of open space free from development, ensuring operational continuity. This means land immediately nearby will remain relatively undeveloped, and land that runs through flight paths be limited in its development. This creates a unique opportunity for green energy development, which the Mojave area has already taken advantage of. A wind farm presence has already been established in the Mojave area, as well as a small capability for solar energy generation at the Mojave Air & Space Port. The land acquisition that would take place under this proposal, coupled with existing open space, could easily support additional production of solar and wind energy.

EDUCATION

Space Education

Center


Research Park


Space Vehicle Flying Near a Wind Farm in Mojave. Credit: Mojave Desert News

Solar Panels at Mojave Air & Space Port. Credit: Anne Fischer, Solar Novus Today

As previously mentioned, a desert botanical garden would also be established. This would further enhance California’s efforts to promote sustainability & conservation. Not only would it educate visitors about the desert ecosystem, but it would also rejuvenate the existing land (which is mostly barren) with native, drought tolerant vegetation.


Palm Desert Botanical Garden. Credit: Saxon Holt, Sunset.com

Finally, a water reclamation plant would be built. Coupled with the expansion of infrastructure, bringing in freshwater presents a challenge in meeting the water needs of an evolving Mojave area. Consequently, a water reclamation plant is necessary.

Michelson Water Recycling Plant. Credit: Irvine Ranch Water District


All facilities specified within this proposal would be LEED certified, and all landscaping would be comprised of native, drought-tolerant vegetation. This would ensure that the necessary infrastructural expansion minimizes water and electricity consumption to the fullest extent possible.

Solar Power & Wind Energy

LEED Certification


Water Reclamation Plant

ENVIRONMENT


EXPENDITURE & OPERATIONAL DETAILS “Communities across the country are increasingly looking at space ports as magnets for

economic development.” -- Peter Westwick, Professor

All figures are rough estimates, presented with the intent of providing a basic framework to work from. These numbers are based on what equivalent projects cost, taking into account costs associated with the distance to bring materials to the Mojave area, and higher wages when compared to other states (among other variables).

NAME COST (Millions) Spaceport $250

Space Education Center $200 Research Park $125

Green Energy Projects $45 Water Reclamation Plant $30 Desert Botanical Garden $25

Caltrans $20 TOTAL: $695 Million

Spaceport Investment in the Mojave Air & Space Port would be a major component in establishing and maintain California’s dominance over the commercial spaceflight industry for decades to come. It would not only ensure that all industry needs are met, but that the spaceport would be positioned to accommodate as much future growth as possible. Some examples of expanding capabilities would include a space terminal (also serving as a visitor center), a state-of-the-art weather observation system, a multi-functional emergency response facility, an advanced communications system, an expanded/enhanced utilities infrastructure, runway modifications (in the form of an addition, extension and/or resurfacing), and additional land acquisition. Specific details would come from those managing/operating the Mojave Air & Space Port. Space Education Center The Space Education Center, in conjunction with the spaceport, would be two of the three primary tourist destinations for the Mojave area. In addition, it would provide an educational enhancement unlike any other informal science center currently in existence. It would inspire a generation of future space entrepreneurs while enhancing STEM education throughout the region.


The following is a list of facilities/capabilities that would make up the Space Education Center:

• Planetarium – The planetarium would provide visitors with a tour of the Universe in the most visually-stunning way.

• Observatory – Two observatories would be built. One would house a telescope filtered for viewing the Sun, and the other would be for traditional nighttime viewing. Both would be available to the public for general viewing, as well as for research purposes.

• IMAX Theater – Visitors would have the option of viewing several different space-related documentaries and movies.

• Space Elevator Ride – This simulation would allow visitors to experience what it would be like to ride in a space elevator. Inside the simulation, visitors would observe themselves moving in a space elevator from the ground to a space hotel, moving through the space hotel, and then returning back to Earth.

• Hydroponics Lab – Demonstrating how food would be grown in space through the use of various hydroponics techniques, visitors can learn about plant growth, hydroponics technologies, and how it relates to space exploration. It would also serve as a research lab.

• Space Exploration Exhibit – Would include life-sized models of future spacesuits, models of futuristic spacecraft, conceptual living quarters on-board a spaceship, and a conceptual habitat that’s on another planet.

• Human Physiology & Microgravity Exhibit – Through various models, images and interactive displays, visitors will learn about how microgravity impacts human physiology, what methods are available to counteract, and possible solutions for the future.

• Astrobiology Exhibit – Images, demos, interactive displays, and models highlighting the conditions for life to exist would be established, including the tools & methods scientists utilize to search for life outside of Earth.

• Space Exploration Simulators – Three space simulators would allow visitors to take the helm of a spaceship, traveling through the solar system, taking a trip to the moon and visiting a lunar city, or traveling to Mars to visit a colony.

• Indoor Skydiving Activity – Four vertical wind tunnels would be established for the indoor skydiving activity, which simulates free-falling.

The observatories and hydroponics lab, by way of the potential to conduct meaningful & relevant research, would create an opportunity for joint partnerships, thereby providing additional revenue streams for the Center. These capabilities also allow for more opportunities to apply for federal grants. In addition, several of the rooms/facilities could


also be made available for private functions, creating yet another potential revenue source. Naturally, there would also be a café and gift store somewhere on the premises. Ideally, there would also be a perched observation platform for visitors to watch flights land and take off from the Mojave Air & Space Port. Research Park The Research Park would be comprised of space-related labs & test facilities. This facility would be utilized by UC/CSU researchers, and private industry. The shared-use of lab & test facilities would provide a robust approach to R&D efforts, including a revenue source for the Research Park. In addition to labs & test facilities, the Research Park would also include office space and a business incubator. The following labs and test facilities would be established at the Research Park:

• Propulsion Lab & Testing Facility – Supports the R&D of various propulsion technologies (solar sails, ion propulsion, advanced chemical propellants, etc.), including a dedicated testing facility for these systems.

• Life Support Systems Lab – R&D of various life support systems (temperature & atmospheric pressure control, waste management, fire detection/suppression, water recycling system, etc.) necessary for keeping people alive in space.

• Space Habitation Lab & Testing Facility – Would support R&D into space habitats, focusing on optimized and cost-effective structural designs, systems engineering integration, and large-scale production viability.

• Space Materials Lab – Supports the development of materials that would be suitable for space-related vehicles and habitats. Examples of relevant materials research include aerogel, carbon nanotubes, composites, and graphene.

• Human Physiology Lab – Would support research into understanding long-term human physiological adaptations in a microgravity environment, as well as best approaches for mitigation.

• Space Energy Lab – Would look at improving energy sources for use in spaceflight, including the solar energy conversion percentage, enhancing fuel cell technology (production, storage, etc.), and researching methods to beam energy back to Earth from a space-based platform.

• Clean Room Facility– A large, multifunctional clean room would maximize capabilities and opportunities at the Research Park, including being able to qualify components for space, resulting in greater economic output.

It is more than feasible that other schools outside of California, such as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), might be interested in establishing a permanent


presence at the Research Park. For example, ERAU recently announced a new Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Spaceflight Operations. These kinds of degree offerings would be ideal for the location, as there would be an obvious demand. Given NASA and the FAA’s multitude of related activities, it would also be feasible to assume their potential interest in establishing a permanent presence at the Research Park. Business Incubator A business incubator would provide important services for start-up companies, which would support business who are located at the Research Park (and spaceport). The business incubator would be staffed with various personnel who have specialties in supporting start-up companies. By providing services within the areas of technology commercialization, assistance with regulatory issues, access to capital, and many other functions, the Mojave area would see an increase in space-related start-ups and support industries, as well as increase the likelihood that these businesses would survive during the first few years of operation.

Rochester Institute of Technology Incubator. Credit: www.bestcollegesonline.com

Caltrans The Caltrans allocation would go towards shoring up routes into the Mojave area. A substantial increase in tourism (which is guaranteed with the passage of this proposal) would require route upgrades to accommodate the increased traffic flow. Examples of upgrades might include surface re-pavement, adding additional lanes (where feasible), and improved lighting/signage. Given both temperature extremes and nighttime


visibility, safety upgrades are particularly important. Routes through the Mojave area that would receive these improvements are the 58 and 14 highways. Specific improvements would be identified by Caltrans.

The 58 (blue) and 14 (red) highways leading to and from Mojave. Credit: Google Earth

Desert Botanical Garden A desert botanical garden would provide several beneficial functions. First, it provides another venue for tourists, increasing the likelihood that those visiting the Mojave area would stay longer, which means more tourists spending money in California. Second, it showcases sustainability and promotes conservation, which is a demonstrated importance to Californians. But as is the case with other botanical gardens, there would be much more on-site than just taking a tour of the landscape. A visitor center would be established, and it would include three desert-related exhibits (desert animals, desert plants, and desert ecosystems) and two research labs: a butterfly cultivation lab, and a water conservation & reclamation research lab. The butterfly cultivation lab would allow researchers to study butterfly life cycles, as well as support the butterfly population, which is continuing to dwindle in numbers. The water conservation & reclamation lab would be tasked with improving technologies utilized for water conservation and reclamation. This would also tie into an important spaceflight concern, and that is how to limit the amount of water being carried to space (an issue because of weight and space taken up). Both labs, which would be part of the tour, provide opportunities for generating alternative revenue to the garden, as well as obvious benefit to the public.


A greenhouse would also be on-site. The purpose of a greenhouse would be to cultivate desert fauna for both the desert botanical garden and could even be provided to outside entities. This would allow for another revenue source to the facility, further stabilizing its economic viability. It also provides an opportunity to conduct research related to desert plant growth, life cycles, and other relevant research areas, which could provide even more economic opportunity. Finally, there would be an elevated platform (~55 feet) for visitors to view the entire facility from a birds-eye view, as well as allow them to watch launches and landings from the spaceport. (Note: given the potential for attracting birds and having a tall structure, the location of the desert botanical garden could not be located within the spaceports’ sphere of influence perimeter, which protects the spaceport from any structural encroachment that might disrupt operations, and from potential bird collisions.) Naturally, there would also be a small café, gift shop, and a community meeting room.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona. Credit: Wikipedia

Green Energy Projects The green energy projects would allow an increase in wind and solar energy generation. To ensure the continuity of operations (both now and into the future), a significant amount of land must be free of development. This provides an opportunity to establish additional green energy projects, both at the spaceport and surrounding area. The weather in Mojave makes the area very suitable for wind and solar energy production, further validating these projects. Finally, with the State mandate to reach 33% of renewable energy by 2020, this project would certainly apply towards that effort.


Credit: Suntech Power

As previously mentioned, all buildings under this proposal would adhere to LEED standards, thereby maximizing energy/water conservation to the fullest extent possible. Water Reclamation Plant When looking at the projected infrastructural growth of the Mojave area, taking into account water considerations is necessary. Although all landscaping associated with this proposal would consist of native, drought tolerant plants, long-term water supply issues remain. These issues are further compounded by complicated water rights agreements among various States and other relevant stakeholders. Consequently, a water reclamation plant is necessary for effective water management.

North City Water Reclamation Plant. Credit: City of San Diego – Water Department


COMPATIBILITIES

“What we want to do is open up space flight to humanity.” -- George Whitesides, Virgin Galactic

Mojave Air & Space Port Influence Zone. Credit: Kern County

When looking at a proposal of this magnitude, it is important to take into account how other stakeholders would view such a project, particularly if they are directly impacted (positively or otherwise) by the outcomes of this proposal. As such, several documents have been identified for demonstrating project compatibility. Mojave Air & Space Port The Mojave Air & Space Port has an influence zone that spans the spaceport and immediate area. It is designed to prevent developments that may interfere with operational activities and potentially produce hazards for pilots. The Kern County


Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan of 2011 breaks down the specific flight hazard characteristics:

1. Glare, distracting lights, or light patterns which could be mistaken for airport lights.

2. Sources of dust, steam, or smoke which may impair pilot visibility. 3. Sources of electrical interference with aircraft communications or navigation. 4. Any use, especially landfills and certain agricultural uses, which may attract large

flocks of birds. 5. Any light or series of lights which may cause visual discomfort or loss of

orientation during critical phases of flight. 6. Any future project with the capability of generating extended periods of airborne

dust and particulate matter which may become a hazard within the Mojave Airport area of influence shall be reviewed by the East Kern Airport District.

The influence zone also limits developments that have structures exceeding certain height thresholds. When looking at these flight hazard characteristics and what’s proposed, one project stands out, and that’s the Desert Botanical Garden. There are two issues worth considering: 1) the potential for attracting large flocks of birds, and 2) height. Because the plant selection would consist of native, drought tolerant plants, the characteristics of potential birds that might be attracted to this area would be limiting, as only those bird species adapted to the harsh desert environment would be able to survive. The footprint of the garden would also lend itself to a limited amount of birds, both in terms of numbers and variety. However, to avoid the issue altogether, the location of the Desert Botanical Garden could be specified to be located no less than one mile from the perimeter of the Mojave Air & Space Port’s influence zone. That clears the zone by a substantial distance. The second issue is height via the elevated platform of ~55 feet, or about five stories. This comes nowhere close to the limits set by the influence zones. One zone specifies a 100 foot ceiling, while the other sets 415 feet as the maximum height. However, if we take the aforementioned limit to locate the Desert Botanical Garden at least one mile from the influence zone perimeter, then this issue also becomes moot. Kern County The Kern County General Plan lists several elements that are easily aligned with the proposed projects. • Surface Water & Groundwater – One of the policy points state: “Encourage

utilization of wastewater treatment facilities which provide for the reuse of


wastewater.” This proposal contains a water reclamation plant, falling in-line with the Kern County General Plan. Under the area of implementation, it calls for promoting efficient water use, and lists three examples, two of which are covered in this proposal: 1) Requiring water conserving design and equipment in new construction, and 2) Encouraging water conserving landscaping and irrigation methods. As specified, all new construction would employ LEED certification, and all landscaping associated with the projects would be native and drought tolerant, ensuring maximum water efficiency.

• Economic Development – There are several economic policies listed that this proposal easily fulfills: 1) Promote tourism based businesses throughout the County, 2) promote the utilization of the County by the film industry, 3) provide for a mixed land uses that offer a variety of employment opportunities and enhances the County’s economic assets to allow the capture of regional growth, 4) support efforts to provide assistance to small businesses, and 5) provide infrastructure and coordinate local land use, regulatory practices and job training to foster and maintain a robust economy. This proposal covers all of the economic policies listed. It even specifies the increase in tourism and filming as one of the economic benefits from enacting this proposal. Job training would also be covered, as is the “…variety of employment opportunities…” that would result from full implementation.

• Highways – One of the goals listed under the Mojave-Freemont Valley area is to

“Upgrade road circulation in and around Mojave.” The proposed Caltrans allocation would go a long way towards meeting this goal.

• Wind Energy Development – The stated goal is “To promote the safe and orderly

development of wind energy as a clean method of generating electricity while providing for the protection of the environment.” This proposal provides for the opportunity to increase wind-energy development.

• Solar Energy Development – One of the policies states that “The County shall

encourage domestic and commercial solar energy uses to conserve fossil fuel and improve air quality.” This proposal allocates funding towards increasing solar generation capacity.

It should also be noted that the Kern County Economic Development Corporation has written an Economic Development Strategy guide, which was updated in 2010. Under the “Missions and Objectives of the Kern County Economic Development Strategy,” there are three goals listed: 1) expand jobs and overall prosperity, 2) foster inclusion and increased equity, and 3) promote sustainability and high quality of life. The projects within this proposal fulfill these goals several times over.


University of California The University of California developed a 2010 report called UC Commission on the Future. Two of the recommendations adopted by the commission were: 1) facilitate multi-campus research and doctoral/post-doctoral training, and 2) collaborate with external partners to expand sponsored internships, fellowships and visiting faculty. The proposed Research Park would largely contribute to these two goals. State Water Resource Control Board The State Water Resource Control Board and other regional water boards developed a strategic report, with one of the objectives stating the following: “Increase the acceptance and promote the use of recycled water and the reuse of stormwater as locally available, sustainable water supplies consistent with the Climate Change Draft Scoping Plan developed pursuant to the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) and other relevant State and regional efforts.” The water reclamation plant would certainly assist in this effort, particularly when considering the potential number of in-state tourists that would visit the Mojave area under the proposed projects. Additional Compatibilities There are other state entities that have developed goals/objectives (through strategic reports) that would be compatible with this proposal, including Caltrans. What has been specifically referenced conveys that this proposal would not inhibit plans at the local, county or state level, but rather serve as a compliment to those plans.


CONCLUSION

“Commercial space has a wide range of applications so there is the opportunity for local job creation across a wide spectrum, particularly in highly-skilled positions.”

-- Sean Wilson, Virgin Galactic

Artist’s Impression of a Space Vehicle. Credit: Virgin Galactic

California has the potential to dominate the commercial spaceflight industry in a way similar to Silicon Valley’s dominance of computer-related technologies. The Mojave Air & Space Port provides a venue that allows spaceflight companies to test and develop remarkable vehicles. Their capabilities have already attracted various businesses to Mojave area, generating significant economic activity. This proposal, if passed, would largely ensure that California not only continues to play a substantial role in the development of the commercial spaceflight industry, but also establishes a robust tourist destination. The combination of permanent, high-wage jobs, coupled with various tourist destinations, would turn the Mojave area into an economic juggernaut, and help solidify a prosperous future for California. For more reports related to commercial spaceflight, please visit the CACT website: http://makingitincalifornia.com/industry_reports.php.

http://makingitincalifornia.com/industry_reports.php

Documents

MOJAVE AIR & SPACE PORT Financing and the Establishment of a