Yuma spaceport construction delayed; first launch planned for 2028 at earliest
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The dream of launching rockets in Yuma is still alive, but taking longer to get the ground.
Yuma’s spaceport project once had a goal of launching rockets by late 2026.
Now, the target has delayed, but many in the community say there still on board, as long as it brings growth to the city.
The countdown is still ticking for a spaceport, but just a bit slower than planned.
Some locals say this delay doesn’t bother them as long as it brings growth.
“Anything that will bring employment and economy to Yuma. We’ve been here 30 years and we’re not from here, and we love Yuma, so I’m for it! Any growth for us is good,” said Winnie Kelly, a local.
City of Yuma Administrator Jay Simonton now projects a launch could happen in 2028 or 2029, but not before Yuma clears several hurdles.
“We’ve got to build the infrastructure. We’ve got to build the spaceport. We’ve got to get the rocket companies here. We’ve got to get all the agreements with the FAA worked out for the rocket company. There’s a lot of steps, but we’re getting there,” said Simonton.
With only a few commercial spaceports nationwide, Simonton says he’s confident they’ll gain interest from investors.
“I think once we have that license in place these companies will be coming to Yuma because ‘Hey, we need a place to launch’ and I think they’ll make the investment to build that spaceport. We’re really confident that will happen,” explained Simonton.
The City expects to complete its environmental review and FAA license application by 2026. After that, they can move into design and construction, putting Yuma on track for its first launch in a few years.