Tue, Dec 21, 2021
3rd East Coast Launch Site Approved For Vertical Lifts
The United States will open its newest rocket launch site with the addition of Camden County, Georgia's upcoming Spaceport Camden.
The former alternate for the Apollo program has resumed its place in the aerospace landscape with the issuance of a launch site operator licence by the FAA. The multi-user, vertical lift, commercial launch site can see as many as 12 small launches per year, in current shape.
The addition of the 13th licensed spaceport in the USA is also the 3rd to be operated on the East Coast. The market for satellite launches has seen continual progress, and the commercial space race has only grown in size as companies spring up to capitalize on the trillion dollar new frontier. The approval isn't great news for local residents opposed to the port's creation, saying the county commissioners have set out on the project against the wishes of the populace. They have maintained concern over the nearby protected marshlands and settled islands, saying that the move would break from a long established convention that keeps vertical rocket launches far away from large populations. Nevertheless, the announcement vindicates the $10 million spent by the county on securing approval.
Camden Spaceport will offer a few benefits for those using its location over other, larger points, including the free velocity gain from the Earth's rotation, lower fuel needed for orbit, and a more open schedule compared to Cape Canaveral, the undisputed king of busy launch sites. Those hoping to utilize the port will need their individual vehicles approved by the FAA, as well as be licensed at each port of intended launch.
“It has been a long time coming, but Camden County is immensely proud of this accomplishment. With this license, Spaceport Camden offers coastal Georgia over 100 miles of opportunity,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman, Gary Blount.
“We are no longer a one-dimensional economy solely reliant on the brave sailors and contractors at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay for economic prosperity,” added Blount.
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