Sawyer International Airport not selected for spaceport launch facility

The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda Township has been preliminarily selected as the site for Michigan's new spaceport launch facility, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association announced Tuesday.

Sawyer International Airport in Marquette County and Chippewa County International Airport were not selected for the horizontal launch site.

If plans for the Oscoda site are approved by state and federal regulators, it would be used for small and mid-sized low earth orbit satellites, most likely using horizontal take-offs.

Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch says the MAMA continues to review Michigan sites for a vertical launch facility. Marquette County is still in consideration for this facility with an announcement expected in the next few months.

Erbisch congratulated Oscoda Township in a statement.

"Marquette County believes that the growth of the aerospace industry is important for Michigan and all of Michigan will benefit from a successful facility and aerospace development," said Erbisch. "There is much opportunity and growth potential in the aerospace industry and we are pleased to see that Michigan Aerospace Manufactures Association and Michigan is pursuing this endeavor."

The selection means about 1,000 new jobs and an investment of between $8.3 billion and $12 billion over 10 years.