Oscoda selected as Michigan's new rocket launch site, sparking idea for space tourism
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan is poised to be home to a new spaceport, a place where commercial and military aerospace technology could launch into the atmosphere.
The announcement came from lawmakers and the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association, also known as MAMA, on Tuesday. In 2019, the Michigan Legislature approved $2 million to assess the feasibility of developing one or more low-orbit launch sites in the state. On Tuesday, Gavin Brown, with the aerospace association, announced that the horizontal launch site will likely be coming to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport.
Brown said the necessary permits and applications need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration before construction can begin or anything can launch.
“The feasibility determines that ultimately but I’m very confident that so far, what I’ve seen, is very positive,” Brown said.
Brown said in addition to commercial use and potentially space tourism, there is the possibility the facility could work with Space Force, the military’s newest branch.
“That’s a part of what we’re doing is saying, the assets that we have to do this, if you look at our rich history, of SAC bases and such, how do we return to contribute again to America’s defense and growth,” Brown said.
Oscoda sits on Lake Huron and has a long history with military sites, including the decommissioned Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee and said it’s unclear if or how much more money the state would need to front for the project. Rather, he said, the economic boost to the area and state has potential.
“If you also look at a community that has been so supportive of our national defense in the past is ready to continue to move forward with future technologies, I think it’s a great opportunity for them but also the state of Michigan,” Stamas said.
Oscoda is one of four final sites that were considered:
- Alpena County Regional Airport
- Chippewa County Regional Airport
- Sawyer International Airport
Oscoda was ultimately chosen for a number of factors, Stamas said, including population density and proximity to water.
“It’s within a very short distance to get up over water, the population density right in that area is a lower population to create less of a threat if something horrible were to happen,” Stamas said.
The announcement is the first step and a vertical launch site could also be picked in Michigan, including at one of the three sites that weren’t picked for the horizontal one. MAMA will continue to conduct the feasibility study that will be submitted to the Michigan Economic Development Council by the second quarter of 2020.
“The announcement of this first important step toward Oscoda becoming the official location for a horizontal spaceport is the news we had been hoping for,” said Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine. “Oscoda’s prime location and strong community are certainly deserving of this fantastic opportunity, and I will continue working with Sen. Stamas to ensure that we do what we can in Lansing to help make this plan a reality.”
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