Spaceport

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A spaceport is a site for launching spacecraft, by analogy with airport for aircraft. Typically the site is large enough that, should a rocket explode, it will not endanger human lives or adjacent launch pads.

Typically preferred are launches from near the equator in an easterly direction. This allows maximum use of the Earth's rotational speed, and a good orientation for arriving at a geostationary orbit. It also increases mass-to-orbit. For polar or Molniya orbits, these aspects do not apply. For safety, a launch vector over water or deserted land is important.

It is believed that future hypersonic aircraft will require a very long runway rather than a vertical launch pad. Such hypothetical spaceports will present unique challenges in noise abatement, zoning, and passenger access, with as much as a 5 mile wide corridor surrounding a 30 mile long runway. A dedicated mass transit system from the nearest public access point to the aircraft boarding area will be required.

The space tourism industry is being targeted by spaceports in numerous locations, including California, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, Alaska and Wisconsin, as well as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.<ref name="MSN">Boyle, Alan. "Regulators OK Oklahoma spaceport - Suborbital test flights could begin in 2007, setting stage for tourists", MSNBC, 13 June 2006. Retrieved on 2006-06-26.</ref>