Arizona Lawmakers Aim to Transform Yuma into America’s Next Spaceport

By Daniel Stefanski |

A coalition of Arizona lawmakers is advocating for the development of Yuma as the next commercial and industrial spaceport in the United States. Recently, State Representatives Justin Wilmeth and Michele Peña, along with Senator Tim Dunn, submitted a letter to the Southwest Regional Aerospace Innovation Alliance, supporting their National Science Foundation (NSF) funding application.

The coalition’s press release emphasizes that establishing a Yuma-based spaceport could significantly strengthen national security, foster economic growth, and advance space exploration. The initiative is projected to generate $2 billion in annual economic activity and create thousands of jobs while positioning Yuma as a strategic hub for commercial space launches.

Representative Wilmeth expressed optimism about Arizona’s potential role in the evolving landscape of spaceflight, citing the new administration’s focus on economic expansion. He urged state and federal officials to back the NSF application, ensuring sustained investment in space exploration and innovation.

Representative Peña highlighted Yuma’s unique advantages, including favorable weather conditions, proximity to military assets, and supportive business policies. She argued that these factors make Yuma the most efficient choice for a spaceport, especially given the exclusive directional launch capabilities over the Sea of Cortex.

Senator Dunn reaffirmed Yuma’s leadership in innovation and expressed pride in supporting the collaboration to establish the spaceport. He noted his involvement in prior legislation promoting the state’s commercial spaceflight activities.

The lawmakers pointed to the passage of HB 2423 in 2019, which aimed to enhance commercial spaceflight activities within Arizona, as a foundation for this initiative. Additionally, last year’s approval of HB 2254 led to the creation of the Arizona Space Commission and a dedicated fund to support the burgeoning commercial space sector and infrastructure development in Arizona.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.