News Releases

2025 GSA Spaceport Summit

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Summit success - thank you

For Immediate Release

The 10th Annual GSA Spaceport Summit of 2025 Sets Record Attendance, reflecting Global Spaceport Growth

Alexandria, VA – February 21, 2025 – The Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) successfully concluded its 10th Annual GSA Spaceport Summit of 2025, breaking attendance records and reinforcing the expanding global interest in spaceport development. As the official kickoff to Commercial Space Week, this year’s summit attracted the largest audience in its history, uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of spaceports as economic powerhouses.

“The incredible growth of the GSA Spaceport Summit reflects the rising global demand for spaceport collaboration, innovation, and strategic development,” said James Causey, GSA Executive Director. “This is further reflected in the steady growth in GSA membership which leapt up 37% this year to 92 and for the second year in a row, attendance has nearly doubled, highlighting the critical role spaceports play in the expanding space economy.” 

The summit welcomed representatives from the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Canada, Greece, Sweden, Portugal, France, Uruguay, and Nigeria, underscoring the growing international collaboration in spaceport development. “We are thrilled to see such a strong international presence shaping these discussions.”, continued Causey.

The event’s theme, “Spaceports as an Economic Powerhouse,” focused on the role of spaceports in regional economic growth, job creation, and commercial investment.

Firefly Aerospace provided updates on its launch programs and its upcoming moon lander mission, scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface on March 2, 2025. FAA Associate Administrator Kelvin Coleman addressed regulatory updates impacting commercial space transportation. The Hague Institute for Global Justice celebrated signatories of its Washington Compact focusing on a space policy framework.  

In addition, International Space University (ISU) President Dr. John Wensveen announced two new training programs in collaboration with GSA: the Spaceport Operations and Management Certification Program and the Global Spaceport Leadership Executive Program, designed to prepare the next generation of spaceport leaders. 

Panel discussions examined key industry topics, including integrating spaceflight standards, challenges of remote versus population-dense spaceports, and updates on U.S. Space Force spaceport initiatives. Experts shared insights on aligning international regulations and maximizing spaceport infrastructure for commercial and defense applications and explored the various revenue streams that spaceports should be examining for their business plans.

The next summit is set for January 27, 2026, as GSA continues to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the space economy.

For more information, photos, and updates, visit the GSA Spaceport Summit webpage.

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Global Spaceport Alliance

ABOUT GLOBAL SPACEPORT ALLIANCE

Established in 2015, the Global Spaceport Alliance has become the largest network of spaceports in the world. Members include spaceport operators, suppliers, and government and academic entities involved in the commercial space sector. GSA offers members timely access to information, the ability to engage with key decision makers, and the opportunity to participate in working groups targeting specific areas of interest to the spaceport ecosystem.

Global Spaceport Alliance and FAA Host Inaugural International Spaceport Meeting in Milan, Italy

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International Spaceport Meeting

Advancing Spaceport Innovation and Economic Growth Through Worldwide Collaboration

On October 13, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation, in collaboration with the Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA), hosted the inaugural International Spaceport Meeting, held on the eve of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan, Italy. The meeting brought together spaceport operators and regulatory officials from over 20 countries, marking a pivotal moment for the global spaceport industry.

In a deliberate effort to promote global collaboration, the FAA and GSA invited participants from over 20 countries. This exclusive gathering was instrumental in enabling dialogue in support of worldwide cooperation in space transportation.

The event gathered representatives from spaceports, space agencies, and regulatory authorities to address key topics shaping the future of spaceport development and commercial space transportation:

  • Economic Impact of Spaceports
  • Spaceport Regulations (current and future)
  • Spaceport Cooperation
  • Operations and Infrastructure
    • National Spaceport Interagency Working Group update
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Innovative Spaceport Uses
  • Reducing Duplication and Recognition
    • Streamlining Licensing
    • Bilateral Commercial Space Transportation Agreements
  • Airspace Integration

“Based on the success of this meeting, GSA plans to continue the conversation at the GSA Spaceport Summit. GSA will continue to lead the discussion.” said Dr. George Nield, GSA Chairman. During the meeting, Dr. Nield presented a New Vision for Spaceports, highlighting innovations and strategies to position spaceports as central technology hubs that support a broader economic ecosystem for space-related activities, both physically and virtually. His vision emphasized the importance of developing spaceports not only as launch facilities but as dynamic engines for local and global economic growth.

Dr. Nield’s presentation extended the focus on empowering and supporting spaceports through economic development and community engagement. “Building an Economic Powerhouse Around Your Spaceport” is the theme for the upcoming GSA Spaceport Summit, where discussions will center on innovative strategies to grow the spaceport ecosystem. Through events, webinars, legislative initiatives, and Advisory Groups, GSA remains dedicated to empowering spaceports and ensuring their pivotal role in the global space industry’s future.

GSA Member Initiatives Shine Bright

The GSA takes pride in the proactive efforts of its members, who are at the forefront of advancing the spaceport industry. GSA member Merrick & Company sponsored the luncheon offering a chance for participants to continue the discussion throughout the day.

Two GSA members, Space Centre Australia and the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority have been spearheading an initiative to foster greater international cooperation among spaceports. These efforts culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) immediately following the International Spaceport Meeting, with eight commercial spaceports from across five continents (all GSA members) agreeing to explore future collaboration.

MOU Signatories: A Global Commitment

The following GSA members were the inaugural signatories to the MOU:

  • Esrange Space Center, Swedish Space Corporation (Sweden)
  • Hokkaido Spaceport, SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd. (Japan)
  • Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (USA)
  • Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska, Alaska Aerospace Corporation (USA)
  • SaxaVord Spaceport (Scotland, United Kingdom)
  • Space Centre Australia (Australia)
  • Stargate Peru S.A.C. (Peru)
  • Sutherland Spaceport, Orbital Express Launch Limited (Scotland, United Kingdom)

The MOU aims to strengthen global access to space, enhance affordability, and create opportunities for technological innovation through shared efforts. These discussions will contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the commercial space sector.

Looking Ahead

The International Spaceport Meeting underscored the importance of global dialogue in advancing the spaceport industry. With exciting initiatives underway and new partnerships being forged, GSA looks forward to continuing the conversation at the GSA Spaceport Summit and other GSA events, providing a strong forum for the expansion of international cooperation within the spaceport community.

Join us for the GSA Spaceport Summit on January 27 in Orlando, Florida. For more information and to register, please visit GlobalSpaceportAlliance.com.

Global Spaceport Alliance

ABOUT GLOBAL SPACEPORT ALLIANCE

Established in 2015, the Global Spaceport Alliance has become the largest network of spaceports in the world. Members include spaceport operators, suppliers, and government and academic entities involved in the commercial space sector. GSA offers members timely access to information, the ability to engage with key decision makers, and the opportunity to participate in working groups targeting specific areas of interest to the spaceport ecosystem.

Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act gets an ASA Endorsement

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Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act gets an ASA Endorsement
ASA - Lt Governors

Louisiana Lt Governor Billy Nungesser, Virginia Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Ross Garelick Bell, ASA Executive Director, at the 2024 Aerospace States Association meeting in New Orleans.

Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act gets an ASA Endorsement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act Picks Up Key Endorsement

GSA Applauds Action by the Aerospace States Association.

 

[ALEXANDRIA, VA., August 21, 2024] At the annual meeting of the Aerospace States Association (ASA), which took place on June 24-27, 2024, in New Orleans, a resolution was adopted unanimously to urge Congressional passage of the Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act of 2024. The proposed legislation, which was developed by the Global Spaceport Alliance, is intended to meet the needs of the evolving commercial spaceflight industry by updating national policy, streamlining government oversight, and providing needed infrastructure funding. 

Key provisions include:

  • Establishment of the Commercial Space Transportation Administration, by moving the Office of Commercial Space Transportation out from under the FAA and having it report directly to the Secretary of Transportation.
  • Creation of a commercial spaceflight research alliance to enable progress in addressing issues of interest to government, industry, academia, and the international community.
  • Adoption of a National Spaceport Policy that would support the development of a network of spaceports and allow assured access to space for all users.
  • Updating the Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants Program and providing funding to support projects that will increase the safety, capacity, efficiency, and resiliency of space transportation operations.
  • Modification of the statutory definition for Space Support Vehicles to enable commercial spaceflight companies to conduct human spaceflight training programs using high-performance or former military aircraft, just like NASA does.
  • Support for development of high-speed, long-distance transportation, specifically point-to-point transportation through space, which is expected to be a major game changer for both national security and economic competitiveness.

ASA is a nonpartisan organization comprising Lt. Governors, Governor-appointed delegates, and members from aerospace organizations and academia. It focuses on research and development, workforce training, economic development, STEM education, and maintaining competitiveness in the global marketplace. This year’s meeting was hosted by Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, ASA Chair. 

Dr. George C. Nield, GSA Chairman, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Lt. Governor Nungesser, Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (ASA Vice Chair), and Ross Garelick Bell (ASA Executive Director) for their visionary leadership.

“Having ASA’s support on the Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act and related issues will make a tremendous difference in enabling timely action on Capitol Hill,” noted Dr. Nield. “GSA looks forward to expanding our partnership with ASA in the future as we identify needed aerospace policy changes at the federal, state, and local level.”

GSA is committed to engaging with government decision-makers and key stakeholders to educate and advocate for essential policy changes. While the Commercial Spaceflight Operations Act is primarily focused on changes to U.S. policy, the benefits will likely be global in nature, and could set the standard for spaceport operations around the world.

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Global Spaceport Alliance

ABOUT GLOBAL SPACEPORT ALLIANCE

Established in 2015, the Global Spaceport Alliance has become the largest network of spaceports in the world. Members include spaceport operators, suppliers, and government and academic entities involved in the commercial space sector. GSA offers members timely access to information, the ability to engage with key decision makers, and the opportunity to participate in working groups targeting specific areas of interest to the spaceport ecosystem.

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