Huntsville Airport Could Become Commercial Spaceport

Ashley Barajas

Monday, November 15, 2021 at 06:59 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Huntsville International Airport (KHSV) is proposed as a re-entry site for horizontally landed commercial spacecraft, with Sierra Space Corporation aiming to land its Dream Chaser there (2023-2027).
The Huntsville-Madison Airport Authority must obtain an FAA Reentry Site Operator License, requiring an extensive environmental review process, including a virtual public hearing on December 9.
The FAA will evaluate potential environmental impacts and use its findings to make licensing determinations for both the airport authority and individual vehicle operators.
Future commercial space operators utilizing KHSV will each need separate FAA licenses and environmental reviews, along with modifications to the airport's existing license.

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The Huntsville International Airport (KHSV), in Huntsville, Alabama, has been proposed to serve as a re-entry site for horizontally landed commercial aircraft.

The Huntsville-Madison Airport Authority must gain a Reentry Site Operator License first, issued by the FAA. Sierra Space Corporation is seeking a vehicle operator license to land its Dream Chaser space plane at HSV between 2023 and 2027, according to a news release from the FAA.