Can Michigan be the next Cape Canaveral for the next generation of satellites?
The state’s aeronautical industry thinks so.
And they’re putting up major resources to make it happen.
A group of aeronautical, aerospace, and hi-tech companies are looking at several sites in northern Michigan to locate a privately-run spaceport for the launch and tracking of low and medium-orbit satellites. A facility would also be built in southern Michigan.
The selection process is underway. A decision could be made by January.
Many jobs would be connected to a spaceport.
Gavin Brown is executive director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturer’s Association.
That is the group that wants to build a Michigan spaceport. They need federal government approval and state of Michigan approval.
The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturer’s Association has a 3-day symposium planned in Traverse City in early September where more details will be spelled out. Executives from the companies involved will be there, and U-S government and military officials involved in the application process will also make presentations.