U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) reintroduced legislation recently that would provide Spaceports, ground-based launch and reentry sites for spacecraft, with what he is calling "dedicated federal support," including a substantial funding increase.
The congressman's bill, the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act, if signed into law, would help to ensure rising civil, commercial, and national security demands for space transportation are being properly addressed.
"The United States continues to set the pace in space exploration, and North Alabama stands at the heart of that momentum," said Strong. "During my time as chairman of the Madison County Commission, I worked closely with community leaders and industry partners to help secure Huntsville International Airport’s designation as the nation’s first licensed reentry site for space vehicles."
"With unmatched capabilities across civil, commercial, and national security space programs, North Alabama is uniquely positioned to drive the infrastructure that will define the next generation of space innovation," he added.
Strong's fifth congressional district is home to Huntsville International Airport, the first commercial airport approved by the FAA as a reentry site capable of accommodating space vehicle landings.
Butch Roberts, CEO of the airport, explained what Strong's bill can accomplish and noted Huntsville International's connection to the historic return of a space plane from low orbit.
“This legislation would secure funding for infrastructure investments that would enhance the ability of spaceports, including Huntsville International Airport (HSV), to accommodate future commercial space transportation needs," Roberts said. "HSV is the first commercial airport in the U.S. to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as a reentry site for space vehicle landings.
"The landing of Dream Chaser at Huntsville International Airport is part of a vision for community growth that builds upon our history of space, science, and exploration, and this legislation will help us compete for future commercial space economic opportunities."
"We applaud Congressman Strong for his leadership in support of legislation that will ensure strong and resilient space transportation capabilities," he added.
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