The Federal Aviation Administration recently gave Houston approval to build the country's tenth commercial spaceport. Given Houston's links to the space industry, some see the spaceport as having an economic advantage over competitors.
Courtesy Houston Airports
Spaceport America —
New Mexico's Spaceport America is still waiting for its anchor tenant, Virgin Galactic, to launch its space tourism operation. Until then, the spaceport is focused on educational outreach and product launches.
Courtesy Spaceport America
Spaceport Sweden —
Spaceport Sweden's CEO, Karin Nilsdotter, envisions the facility becoming the "European gateway to space." The spaceport will operate from an already existing airport, and will focus on space tourism and research.
Spaceport Sweden
UK spaceport —
In March, the United Kingdom government announced plans to open a spaceport on British soil. Five sites have been shortlisted across England, Scotland and Wales.
Courtesy UK Department of Transport
Oklahoma Spaceport —
The yet-to-be-built Oklahoma Spaceport does have one of the longest runways in North America at more than 13,000 feet. It also has wide open airspace. Despite these advantages, little work has been done on the site since plans were announced 15 years ago.
