07/26/22 - Spaceport Camden Study Confirms No Credible Fire Risk to Cumberland Island

Camden County Georgia contracted with ARCTOS, who is a leading provider of support to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), other federal organizations, and industry with over 60 years of engineering and technical expertise in launch and re-entry risk/safety analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to review claims by Spaceport Camden opponents that a launch anomaly at Spaceport Camden could result in fire risk to Cumberland Island residents and property. The study (PDF) examined the potential for a fire from a failed launch vehicle within the conditions of operations permitted under the FAA license for Spaceport Camden. ARCTOS conducted this analysis for both the small launch vehicles for which Spaceport Camden is licensed and medium-large class rockets, like a Falcon 9, which would require a license modification. Read more (PDF)...

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12/20/21 - Mission Accomplished: FAA approves Launch Site Operator License for Spaceport Camden 

Camden County, Georgia, a rocket testing location and alternate launch site for the Apollo program, has reclaimed its aerospace heritage with the issuance of a launch site operator license (LSOL) by the Federal Aviation Administration for Spaceport Camden. Spaceport Camden is a multi-user, vertical lift, commercial launch site on the Atlantic seaboard that will support up to 12 small vehicle launches per year. Read more (PDF)...

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08/05/21 - Pentagon Study: Spaceport Camden Needed to Protect Strategic US Interests

A new report commissioned by the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit advises that spaceport access is vital in order for the U.S. to continue to lead in space exploration – a finding that highlights Spaceport Camden’s important role. The report stated, “Our nation’s continued leadership in space may well be determined by whether U.S. launch capacity can be expanded rapidly enough to meet anticipated demand.” Read more (PDF)...  Direct Link to Report (PDF)...

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06/17/21 - Spaceport Camden Availability of Final Enivironmental Impact Statement (EIS)

 

The Spaceport Camden Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is now available on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) project website. In addition, links to the Final EIS were sent to persons and agencies on the FAA’s distribution list. A paper copy and an electronic version of the Final EIS may be reviewed during regular business hours at the following locations: 
 
1.    Camden County Public Library at 1410 Georgia Highway 40, Kingsland, GA 31548, 
2.    St. Marys Public Library at 100 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, GA 31558, 
3.    Brunswick-Glynn County Library at 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520, and 
4.    St. Simons Island Public Library at 530A Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register, and the FAA will issue a Record of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 30 days following the NOA. Once signed, the FAA will post the ROD to the project website and send out a separate notification to this distribution list. In the meantime, the FAA will continue consultation with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.
 
The FAA prepared the EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts that may result from the FAA proposal to issue a Launch Site Operator License to the Camden County Board of Commissioners (the County). The license would allow the County to offer Spaceport Camden to commercial launch operators to conduct launches of liquid-fueled, small-lift-class, orbital, vertical-launch vehicles. 
 
The EIS addresses the County’s proposed launch site operations based on a conceptual launch vehicle. The FAA will perform additional NEPA analyses for any future launch vehicle operators seeking to operate from Spaceport Camden. This additional analysis would address the potential impacts of the launch of their specific vehicles.
 
Requests for information regarding the Final EIS should be directed to: spaceportcamdeneis@icf.com. 

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05/27/21 - Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement Update

This message provides an update on the status of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 
 
The FAA is finalizing the Final EIS. The FAA is continuing to work with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to complete the Section 106 process. 
 
As previously announced, the FAA had planned to release the Final EIS in late May 2021 and Record of Decision (ROD) in late June 2021. However, due to discussions and consultation efforts with consulting parties, the FAA is announcing an update to the schedule. The FAA now plans to release the Final EIS on June 18th, 2021 and the ROD on July 19, 2021. 

A notice will be sent to individuals and organizations on the project distribution list when the Final EIS and ROD are available. Updates on the Final EIS and ROD will also be provided via the project website: https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/#SCEIS. 

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04/23/21 - Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement Update

This message provides an update on the status of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The FAA is continuing to develop the Final EIS. As part of that process, the FAA has consulted with Federal and state agencies. Agency and public comments are being incorporated into the Final EIS. In addition, the FAA has completed a number of consultations including Section 4f of the Department of Transportation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (with National Marine Fisheries and US Fish and Wildlife), and Essential Fish Habitat. The FAA is continuing to work with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to complete the Section 106 process. 

As previously announced, the FAA had planned to release the Final EIS in April 2021 and Record of Decision (ROD) in June 2021. However, due to discussions and consultation efforts with consulting parties, the FAA is announcing an update to the schedule. The FAA now plans to release the Final EIS in late May 2021 and ROD in late June 2021.

A notice will be sent to individuals and organizations on the project distribution list when the Final EIS and ROD are available. Updates on the Final EIS and ROD will also be provided via the project website: https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/#SCEIS.

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10/14/20 - Georgia Ranked #1 for Aerospace Manufacturing and Camden County Best for Space Launch

Separate studies from the consulting giant PwC and Georgia Southern University’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER) demonstrate the business attractiveness of Spaceport Camden. Read more (PDF)...

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10/06/20 - Georgia Southern University Shows Massive Tourism Boom for Spaceport Camden

Camden County and the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER) at Georgia Southern University has released a new study on the economic impact of space tourism on coastal Georgia. The report estimates that a single launch could attract approximately 4,000-5,000 visitors to the area. CBAER estimates that 38 to 45 jobs connected to tourism and hospitality would be supported long-term by the project as well. While there would be some additional new jobs as a result, the primary impact on employment would likely be adding more hours to existing employees, shifting employees from part-time to full-time work, or increasing their income due to increased customer traffic and visitor counts. Read more (PDF)...

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09/11/20 - FAA Letter Regarding Spaceport Camden

Excerpt:
"The FAA is actively developing the Final EIS which is expected to be released in March 2021. The Final EIS addresses Camden’s proposed launch site operations. The FAA will perform additional NEPA analyses for any future launch vehicle operators seeking to operate from Spaceport Camden. This additional analysis would address the potential impacts of the launch of their specific vehicle." Read the full letter (PDF)...

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06/15/20 - Alaska Aerospace Corporation and Camden County Sign MOU

Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC), owner and operator of FAA-licensed commercial spaceport, Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA), and Camden County, Georgia have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work cooperatively on establishing common operating environments for launch operators who wish to reach both orbits. Read more (PDF)...

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05/11/20 - Commercial Astronaut Training Facility Eyed for Spaceport Camden

Opifex Global, a provider of aerospace training facilities and Camden County, Georgia have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore commercial astronaut training facilities near the proposed Spaceport Camden.  Advised by three former NASA astronauts, Opifex Global utilizes the same quality curriculum, simulators, and training devices that people have come to expect from the space program and adapted them to train commercial astronauts. Read more (PDF)...

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05/04/20 - Camden County Advances Revised Launch Site Operator License Application

Officials in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of Commercial Space Transportation have indicated to Camden County, Georgia that its revised Launch Site Operator License Application has cleared key milestones. Specifically, the FAA is no longer requesting any information from Camden County except for those related to 14 CFR §420.15 (environmental) and §420.17 (policy). Read more (PDF)...

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04/28/20 - Investement Group and Camden County Join Forces to Launch Spaceport Camden

“Spaceport Camden is the single most important economic development project in the State of Georgia,” said David Cole of Organic Code Development, LLC and part of a seasoned team on point to bring technology and commerce to Camden County. Read more (PDF)...

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12/19/19 - Camden County Outlines Decision to Refocus FAA Review to Small Launch Vehicles

Camden County is nearing completion of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) process for approval to build a commercial space launch site. In coordination with the FAA, Camden County’s application has been revised to focus solely on small launch vehicles, which are the types of vehicles manufactured by commercial entities that are expressing the highest interest in operating from Spaceport Camden. Small launch vehicles generally pose fewer environmental and safety concerns, which is of utmost importance to Camden County.  Read more (PDF)...

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12/17/2019 - Camden County and FAA Agree to Toll Licensing Decision Clock as Application Progresses

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have agreed to toll (pause) the statutory 180-day review period for the Camden County Launch Site Operator License (LSOL) application to allow for modifications to the application. Read more (PDF)...

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11/07/2019 - FAA Sets Date to Release and Distribute Final Spaceport Camden EIS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has notified Camden County, Georgia that it has set a date for the release of the Final Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The FAA announced today that intends to issue and distribute the Final EIS on December 16, 2019.  A record of decision is expected no earlier than thirty days after the release of the final EIS. Read more (PDF)...

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10/03/2019 -  Camden County Releases ITAR Compliant Flight Safety Analysis for Spaceport Camden

The Camden County Board of Commissioners has been working diligently to determine a way to increase transparency about the project’s licensing information without complicating the agency’s ongoing review or releasing sensitive or export-controlled information that cannot lawfully be shared with the public. Pursuant to those goals, the County initiated the development of a publicly releasable report, prepared by The Aerospace Corporation, that describes the project’s flight safety analysis.  Read more (PDF)...

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07/01/2019 - FAA Accepts Camden County Georgia's Launch Site Operators License Application

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has notified Camden County, Georgia that it has completed an initial review of the Spaceport Camden Launch Site Operator License application and found it to be complete enough to accept and begin the 180-day review process. According to the FAA it “anticipate[s] making a license determination, in accordance with 14 CFR § 413.15, on or before December 16, 2019.”  Read more (PDF)...

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05/07/2019 - Spaceport Camden Named a Top Infrastructure Project in the United States

Global infrastructure strategy firm, CG/LA Infrastructure, has named Spaceport Camden to its Strategic 50 U.S. Infrastructure Projects list. The list identifies, selects, and ranks the priority infrastructure projects in the United States essential for creating jobs, competitiveness, and economic growth. All of the projects selected by CG/LA Infrastructure are positioned to harness strong support from throughout the government, labor, business, and the user community and all are projects that can, and should, start in 2019. Read more (PDF)...

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03/25/2019 - Public Notice: Activity Around Future Location of Spaceport Camden Planned for March 30 and March 31

Students from Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jacket Space Program (YJSP) will be in Camden County on Saturday, March 30 and potentially Sunday March 31 for a low altitude, Class II amateur rocket test at the proposed site of Spaceport Camden. This test will not be open to the general public. No road or waterway closures are anticipated for this activity. Read more (PDF)...

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01/29/2019 - Camden County Georgia Submits Launch Site Operators License Application to FAA

The Camden County Board of Commissioners formally submitted its application for a Launch Site Operator License (LSOL) to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. The successful submission of the LSOL marks more than three years of work to comply with the detailed regulatory requirements necessary to conduct orbital and suborbital launches from southeast Georgia. Read more (PDF)...

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9/24/2018 - Steve Price Appointed to Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee

Upon recommendation by County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to add R. Steven Price to the Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee at their September, 18, 2018, regular meeting. Read more (PDF)...

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9/5/2018 - Additional Appointments Made to Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee

At their September 4, 2018, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners appointed four more members to the Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee. Upon recommendation by County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to add David L. Cotten, Chris Crumbly, Dominique Halaby, and Edgar Glenn Lightsey to the Education and Workforce Subcommittee. Read more (PDF)...

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8/13/2018 - Members Added to Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee

At their August 7, 2018, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners appointed three additional members to the Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee. Upon recommendation by County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to add Dr. John E. Bradford, Jane Kinney, and Anthony J. Piplica to the Education and Workforce Subcommittee. Read More (PDF)...

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7/18/2018 - Members Appointed to Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee

At their July 17, 2018, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners appointed the first members of the newly created Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee. The Education and Workforce Subcommittee will be chaired by Laura Forczyk, a NASA Subject Matter Expert for planetary science missions and space career coach for students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals. Read More (PDF)... 

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7/3/2018 - Camden County Creates Spaceport Camden Education and Workforce Subcommittee

At their June 26, 2018, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners created a new Education and Workforce Subcommittee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. The Education and Workforce Subcommittee will be comprised of local educators, university and technical college representatives, and aerospace experts. Read More (PDF)...

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6/28/2018 - Governor Deal and Lt. Governor Cagle Urge FAA Support for Spaceport Camden

On the heels of two letters of support signed by every member of the Georgia Congressional delegation, Georgia’s highest constitutional officers have also signaled their support for the project. In separate letters of support to Acting FAA Administrator, Dan Elwell, Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle both touted the benefits Spaceport Camden will offer the State of Georgia and commercial space operators.  Read More (PDF)...

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6/20/2018 - Substantial Momentum for Sapceport Camden as Draft EIS Comment Period Closes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formally closed the comment period on the Spaceport Camden Draft Environmental Impact Statement on June 14, 2018. In the waning weeks of this comment period, a substantial number of supportive comments from influential voices throughout Georgia and the United States were submitted to the FAA.  In particular, the entire Georgia Congressional delegation - including all 14 members of the House and both Georgia Senators - wrote in favor of the project. Read More (PDF)...

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5/8/2018 - ABL Space Systems Visits Camden County

Camden County Joint Development Authority Executive Director, James Coughlin along with County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard welcomed ABL CEO, Harry O’Hanley and CFO Dan Piemont to Camden County on Monday to review facilities and industrial sites for ABL’s future operations in Camden County.  Read More (PDF)...

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4/23/2018 - U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue of Georgia Endorse Spaceport Camden

In a joint letter to Acting FAA Administrator, Dan Elwell, United States Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue offered their support for Spaceport Camden. In their letter the Senators stated, “[Spaceport Camden] is important to the economic future of coastal Georgia and represents an excellent opportunity to augment America’s space launch capability,” and go on to note that “Spaceport Camden will advance a key tenet of the National Space Strategy by providing additional launch capacity for the commercial launch industry.”  Read more (PDF)...

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4/9/2018 - Jacobs Engineering Authors 'The Right Place at The Right Time' Report on Spaceport Camden

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., one of the world's largest providers of technical, professional, and construction services has authored a feasibility study on Spaceport Camden titled “The Right Place at The Right Time.” Jacobs Engineering and its subsidiaries are intimately familiar with the space industry, currently serving as the prime contractor of NASA's Test and Operations Support Contract at Kennedy Space Center. Read more (PDF)...

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4/3/2018 - FAA Extends Spaceport Camden Draft EIS Comment Period

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that it would extend the Spaceport Camden Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) comment period until June 14, 2018. After hearing comments from the community and the desire for residents to take part in this important process, the Camden County Board of County Commissioners formally requested the FAA extend the total comment period to 90 days on last Thursday.  The FAA granted this extension this morning.   Read more (PDF)... 

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3/27/2018 - Gubernatorial Candidate Hunter Hill Announces Support for Spaceport Camden

At an event on St Simons Island, Gubernatorial Candidate and former State Senator, Hunter Hill, offered his support for Spaceport Camden stating, “Georgia Tech is the number 2 ranked aerospace engineering school in the country and Naval Base Kings Bay is the home to some of the best trained rocket scientists in the country. Spaceport Camden is a perfect opportunity to keep the best and brightest rocket experts living and working in Georgia, while also encouraging economic development, scientific research and discovery, and job growth. In the worldwide push for space exploration, I believe Georgia can lead the way."   Read more (PDF)...

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3/20/2018 - Georgia Association of REALTORS® Commission Poll on Spaceport Camden-UGA Research Project Finds Broad Support for Space Activities in Coastal Georgia

Trey Hood, Professor of Political Science and Director of the School of Public & International Affairs Survey Research Center at the University of Georgia presented findings on coastal Georgia’s opinions on a proposed spaceport at a meeting of the Camden Roundtable today. The poll, commissioned by the Georgia REALTORS® (GAR), measured support for the project across thirteen counties in southeast Georgia.  Read more (PDF)...

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3/9/2018 - FAA Releases Spaceport Camden Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Spaceport Camden has achieved its most significant milestone to date with the release of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS process for Spaceport Camden began in the fall of 2015 and for the last two and a half years, the FAA has been evaluating the environmental impacts of all proposed construction and operational activities, including those from launches of orbital and suborbital vertical launch vehicles and first-stage landings at Spaceport Camden. Read more (PDF)... 

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3/5/2018 - Spaceport Camden Signs Memorandum of Understanding with ABL Space Systems 

Steve Howard, Camden County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project lead announced today that ABL Space Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Camden County officials to explore future launch operations at Spaceport Camden. The MOU outlines how ABL Space Systems will work with Spaceport Camden to test, manufacture, assemble, and launch orbital vehicles in Camden County. The MOU is a precursor to a larger definitive agreement to be negotiated and signed no later than July 31, 2019.  Read more (PDF)...

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2/22/2018 - Georgia Receives Expanded Role on National Space Council

Vice President Mike Pence, Chairman of the National Space Council, announced individuals selected to serve on the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group (UAG). Nominees for the Users Advisory Group include former astronauts, policy makers, military leaders and industry participants. The purpose of the UAG is to “foster close coordination, cooperation, and technology and information exchange” across the nation’s space enterprise. Read more (PDF)... 

To view the full list of nominees to the UAG, click here.

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12/12/2017 - Spaceport Camden Project Lead Steve Howard Named Transportation Technology Game Changer

Camden County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard, has been named one of Georgia’s ten Transportation Technology Game Changers by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). TAG’s membership includes Georgia’s most innovative technology companies and has become one of Georgia’s premiere economic development engines. With 35,000 members, 2,000 member companies, and more than 200 events per year, TAG unites Georgia's technology community and fosters an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances Georgia's tech-based economy. Read more (PDF)....

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11/6/2017 - Camden County Plans Innovation and Research Park to Complement Spaceport

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10/16/2017 - Major General Robert Dickman to Join Spaceport Camden Steering Committee

Major General Robert S. Dickman, the former commander of the 45th Space Wing and Director of the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral, FL is joining the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. An executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and corresponding member of the International Academy of Astronautics, General Dickman also served as vice commander of what is now the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, CO, responsible for operating all Air Force on-orbit satellite systems; Director of Air Force Space Systems in the Pentagon; the first Department of Defense Space Architect; the senior military officer at the National Reconnaissance Office and the Deputy for Military Space in the office of the Undersecretary of the Air Force.  Read more (PDF)...

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10/5/2017 - Steve Howard Invited to the First Meeting of The White House National Space Council

Camden County Administrator and Spaceport Camden project lead, Steve Howard joined the largest players in the aerospace industry for the first meeting of President Donald Trump’s National Space Council at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

“At President Trump’s direction, the kick-off meeting of the National Space Council will bring together all aspects and sectors of the national space enterprise for the first time in a quarter century,” said Vice President Pence. “This meeting will provide an opportunity for the Administration to lay out its vision for space exploration. As President Trump said, ‘We’re a nation of pioneers, and the next great American frontier is space.’”  Read more (PDF)...

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8/22/2017 - Georgia Southern University Study Confirms Spaceport Camden an Economic Boon for Coastal Georgia

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED) at Georgia Southern University released an economic assessment of Spaceport Camden today showing more than $22 million in annual economic activity to be generated by Spaceport Camden. The summary is available on the Spaceport Camden website at www.spaceportcamden.us.  Read more (PDF)...

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5/8/2017 - Governor Deal Signs HB 1: Launches Georgia’s Space Industry

ATLANTA, Georgia – This morning, before members of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the Camden Partnership, the Joint Development Authority, the Coastal Regional Commission, and the Camden County Chamber of Commerce, Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 1. Known informally as the “Georgia Space Flight Act,” HB 1 limits the liability of space flight operators launching tourists into space. However, HB 1 was seen as must pass legislation to show that Georgia is a competitive player in the commercial space industry.  Read more (PDF)... 

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3/28/2017 - Camden Welcomes Vector to County

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and County Administrator Steve Howard welcomed Vector to the future site of Spaceport Camden to conduct an initial set of ground operations on its full-scale Mechanical Engineering Unit (MEU) of the Vector-R rocket and the associated Transporter-ErectorLauncher (TEL). The visit was an opportunity to showcase the Vector-R launch system and concept of operations (CONOPS) to key members of the spaceport community, stimulate discussions regarding future launch operations, and familiarize Vector personnel with Spaceport Camden. Read more (PDF)...

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2/16/2017 - Statement of Spaceport Camden Lead Steve Howard on the Passage of SB46 and HB1

Spaceport Camden Project Leader, Steve Howard, offered the following statement on the passage of SB46 and HB1 in the Georgia General Assembly:

“For more than a year, we have worked with leaders in the Georgia House and Senate to develop legislation that demonstrates to the commercial space industry that Georgia is open for business. I am proud to report that the industry has been watching. Since the passage of SB 46 yesterday, I have received several calls and inquiries from industry participants that are recognizing Georgia is serious about space. Passage of HB 1 today will only continue to drive that message home."

I look forward to the General Assembly passing a final version of The Georgia Spaceflight Act and presenting it to Governor Deal for his signature. With the Governor’s support, Georgia will not only be the best state to do business, but the best state to go to space.” Read more (PDF)...

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2/1/2017 - SpaceWorks Releases 2017 Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) announced today the annual update to its nanosatellite and microsatellite market forecast. The report details the latest observations and trends in the nano/microsatellite market.  Projections indicate more than 450 nano/micro satellites will need launches annually in the year 2023 and beyond. The summary is available in presentation form as a free download on the website, http://www.spaceworksforecast.com.

For more on Spaceworks Release click HERE.

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1/30/2017 - Spaceport Camden Project Lead Steve Howard invited to Speak at 20th Annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference

Spaceport Camden Project Leader, Steve Howard, has been invited to speak at the 20th Annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference on February 8, 2017. Howard will speak  on the panel “Spaceports – A Roadmap Upwards” alongside Dale Nash, Executive Director of Virginia Space, Dan Hickes, Chief Executive Officer, Spaceport America, Craig Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Aerospace, Jim Kuzma, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Space Florida and Brian Gulliver, Aerospace Practice Leader at Kimley Horn. The A panel discussion will focus on major issues facing the spaceport community. Read more (PDF)...

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12/15/2016 - Georgia Senate Study Committee Recommends Spaceflight Legislation 

At a meeting in Atlanta this morning, the Senate Study Committee on the Camden County Spaceport finalized its recommendations to the General Assembly on the challenges and opportunities related to a spaceport in Georgia.  The principle finding of the Study Committee urges the Georgia General Assembly to propose and pass legislation that sends a clear signal to the commercial space community that Georgia is open for business. Read more (PDF)...

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10/26/2016 - Spaceport Camden Project Lead Steve Howard Invited to Speak at Premier Commercial Space Industry Conference SpaceCom

Spaceport Camden Project Leader, Steve Howard, has been invited to speak at SpaceCom, the National Space Commerce Conference and Exposition on November 16, 2016. Howard will speak  on the panel “Spaceports: Revenue Opportunities” alongside Jim Kuzima, SVP and Chief Operating Officer of Space Florida, Patricia Hynes, Director, FAA Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation, and Arturo Machuca, General Manager of Ellington Airport & Houston Spaceport. SpaceCom will be held on November 15th-17th in Houston, Texas. Read more (PDF)...

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10/13/2016 - Spaceport Camden Project Lead Steve Howard to Judge Phase 2 of NASA Innovation Competition

As previously announced, Camden County has partnered with NASA’s SPACE RACE, a competition that will launch the next generation of entrepreneurs. In Phase 2 of the competition, the thirty-three remaining teams must create a ten-page business plan as well as a pitch which will be presented via video conference. The judges, which include Steve Howard, Spaceport Camden Project Lead and Camden County Administrator, will review the “live pitches” and the winners will be announced on October 14th.  Read more (PDF)...

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9/27/2016 - Georgia Senate Appoints Camden County Commissioners to Senate Camden County Spaceport Study Committee

The Georgia Senate recently appointed members to the Senate Camden County Spaceport Study Committee, including two Commissioners from Camden County. The members of the study committee include Committee Chair, Senator Bruce Thompson, Senator Valencia Seay, Senator William Ligon, Senator John Kennedy, Camden County Commissioner Jimmy Starline, Camden County Commissioner Chuck Clark, Aaron Hawkins (ViaSat), Colin Ake (Georgia Tech), and Glenn Lightsey, Ph. D. (Georgia Tech). Read more (PDF)...

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9/21/2016 - New Appointment to Spaceport Camden Steering Committee

At the regular scheduled meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Stephen Fleming to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee upon the recommendation of County Administrator, Steve Howard. Read more (PDF)...

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8/26/2016 - Spaceport Camden Lead Steve Howard Presented at GA Environmental Conference

Spaceport Camden Project Leader and Camden County Administrator, Steve Howard, presented at the Georgia Environmental Conference on Jekyll Island, GA today. Howard served as a speaker in the Brownfields/Land Use track where he discussed the Spaceport Camden coastal redevelopment project, the FAA-led licensing and environmental impact review process and how existing spaceports serve in harmonious coexistence with designated conservation areas. The Georgia Environmental Conference, held on August 24th to 26th, is the state’s largest environmental educational opportunity. Read more (PDF)...

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5/5/2016 - FAA Releases Scoping Summary Report for Spaceport Camden  

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing the Spaceport Camden Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of the Camden County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners’ (the County’s) proposal to develop a commercial space launch site (“Spaceport Camden”). Under the Proposed Action presented during the public scoping comment period, the County would construct and operate Spaceport Camden, which would consist of a vertical launch site, a landing zone, a control center complex, and another facility similar to the control center that would include provisions for visitors and viewing launches. 
EIS Scoping Summary Report (PDF)

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4/27/2016 - Gerald L. Pouncey, Jr. Joins Spaceport Camden Project Team

Spaceport Camden has partnered with Gerald L Pouncey Jr., Senior Partner with Morris, Manning & Martin and head of the Environmental, Infrastructure and Land Use Practice at the firm. His primary focus at the firm is the acquisition, disposition and/or the redevelopment of major properties (including state and federal superfund sites), mergers, investments and financing related to such properties and the development and implementation of green energy technologies and strategies. He lectures nationally on these topics. Read more (PDF)...

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4/25/2016 - Spaceport Camden Partners with NASA Innovation Competition

Spaceport Camden has partnered with Startup NASA’s SPACE RACE in order to launch the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.  Spaceport Camden Project Leader, Steve Howard, will serve as a judge in the SPACE RACE competition where student-based teams aim to commercialize promising NASA inventions through a startup challenge. Entries are being accepted until May 1st and judging will occur in early September. Read more (PDF)...

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3/29/2016 - Georgia Senate Establishes Study Committee For Spaceport Camden (Group of Nine to Review the Project Throughout 2016) 

The Georgia Senate passed a resolution (SR1159) to establish a study committee to examine further the benefits of Spaceport Camden to the state. The committee will be comprised of four members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate. Five nonlegislative members, including two Camden County officials, two business leaders familiar with the commercial space industry and a professor from the Georgia Institute of Technology Guggenheim School. Read more (PDF)...

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3/29/2016 - SpaceWorks Releases 2016 Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) announced today the annual update to its nanosatellite and microsatellite market assessment. The assessment details the latest observations and trends of the nano/microsatellite market.
 
Projections indicate more than 400 nano/microsatellites will need launches annually in the year 2022 and beyond. The study summary is available in presentation form as a free download on the website, www.spaceworksforecast.com. 
 
SpaceWorks is currently tracking 780 future (2016 - 2018) nano/microsatellites with masses between 1 kilogram and 50 kilograms in various stages of planning or development. Historical launches and publicly announced plans for future launches, as well as estimated market growth, serve as a basis for projection of the quantity of nano/microsatellites that will launch between 2016 and 2022. Data concerning future launches is sourced from the public announcements of small satellite operators, launch vehicle providers, government agencies, and other organizations, but also from additional market research and commercial companies' intentions. 

Projections indicate considerable growth in the nano/microsatellite market, with an estimated range of 435 to 575 nano/microsatellites (1-50 kg) that will need launches globally in 2022 (compared to 131 in 2015). The 2016 Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment by SpaceWorks shows that nano/microsatellite launches have grown by an average of 39% per year since 2010, with an expected 13% growth per year over the next 6 years (2016-2022). Analysis of development trends by sector show that the commercial sector continues to grow significantly and will soon account for the majority of spacecraft launched in the nano/microsatellite market. Analysis of trends by purpose suggests that applications for nano/microsatellites are shifting to operational capabilities, particularly for Earth observation and remote sensing missions.
 
"The small satellite marketplace continues to be a very interesting and dynamic arena. The sector has grown in recent years, led by large constellation plans from the commercial industry," stated Mr. Bill Doncaster, SpaceWorks Senior Systems Engineer and lead author of the forecast. "Limited launch opportunities in 2015 created a growing backlog of small satellites looking to launch in 2016 and beyond. We hope our latest Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment provides insight into the future and proves to be a valuable resource for the small satellite community and those that serve it."  
 
Since 2008, SpaceWorks has actively monitored global nano/microsatellite activities to provide its clients with valuable insight into this growing market. SpaceWorks internally maintains a broad Launch Demand Database (LDDB) to track historical and future satellites in all size classes. Detailed analyses and custom assessments of the nano/microsatellite market and larger satellite classes are available to interested clients. Please contact Bill Doncaster with any questions.
 
News and information about SpaceWorks can be found at www.spaceworksenterprises.com.

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3/22/2016 - Spaceport Camden Advocates Flood Senate with Support for HB 734 

Spaceport Camden advocates came out to the Georgia Capitol in droves last week to demonstrate their support for the Georgia Spaceflight bill, HB 734. 

At the recent hearing, Senator Bruce Thompson, Chairman of the Georgia State Senate Science & Technology Committee said, “this is the single most attention given to a bill in my tenure in the Senate. In fact, more than 2,300 emails and letters have been sent in this past week alone.” Read more (PDF)...

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3/01/2016 - Georgia Space Flight Act Passes House: Clears Path for Spaceport Camden

The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 734, the Georgia Spaceflight Act (GFSA), sponsored by State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine), by a vote of 164-8 yesterday afternoon. The bill defines procedures for spaceflight activity in Georgia. Read more (PDF)...

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2/25/2016 - New Appointment to Spaceport Camden Steering Committee

On Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at a regular scheduled meeting the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Dennis K. McBride to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee upon the recommendation of County Administrator, Steve Howard.  The Spaceport Steering Committee was formed in September 2015 along with the appointment of Allen Burns, Executive Director of the Coastal Regional Commission, to serve as Chairman. Last month on January 22, 2016 Dr. Robert D. Braun, Dr. Ann Proctor, and Mercedes A. Thompson were appointed as additional members to the Spaceport Steering Committee. Read more (PDF)...

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2/09/2016 - Camden County Administrator Steve Howard receives The General James Oglethorpe Space Award from the National Defense Industrial Association - Georgia Chapter.

Last night the National Defense Industrial Association-Georgia Chapter held its annual awards dinner at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.  NDIA-GA is a dynamic organization sponsoring quarterly breakfasts with nationally known speakers who discuss defense issues, particularly those that impact the State of Georgia.  They also sponsor quarterly tours of defense organizations across the state, and their individual committees work with areas of the defense industry that are important to Georgia. Read more (PDF)...

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1/22/2016 - Board of Camden County Commissioners Approve Appointments to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee

At the regular scheduled meeting held January 19, 2016, upon the recommendation of County Administrator Steve Howard, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously appointed three (3) additional members to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. Mr. Howard recommended the appointments of Dr. Robert D. Braun; Dr. Ann Proctor; and Mercedes A. Thompson. Read more (PDF)

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1/21/2016 - Spaceport Camden Project to Testify Before House Science and Technology Committee

ATLANTA – State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) today announced that industry experts with the Spaceport Camden Project will present before the House Science and Technology Committee, Chaired by Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), when the committee meets on Tuesday, January 26, from 3:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. in room 506 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. These individuals will present information on how the project is progressing and will answer questions from committee members.

“This is an exciting time to be in the commercial space industry,” said Rep. Spencer. “There have been recent advances that have revolutionized the industry and Camden County, Georgia is looking to become part of this new chapter in the reinvigorated space race.  Georgia stands at the precipice of embarking on the state’s most significant economic development project in its history,” said Rep. Spencer.
Representatives from the Spaceport Camden Project will include:

Steve Howard: Camden County Administrator, and principle representative of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, who are the sponsoring entity of Spaceport Camden County. Howard currently sits on the board of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.

Andrew Nelson: President of Nelson Aerospace Consulting Associates, and former President and Chief Operating Officer of XCOR Aerospace, noted commercial space and spaceports expert and consultant engaged by SCC to program manager to SCC development efforts.

James Muncy: Senior Policy Advisor, Commercial Spaceflight Federation, noted space policy expert with over 30 years of government space policy implementation experience. Muncy was a principle architect of the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004, and its recent update, the US Commercial Space Competitiveness Act of 2015. Rep. Spencer’s district includes the proposed Spaceport Camden site.
Legislators, state officials, the general public and the media are encouraged to attend this informational meeting.

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01/05/2016 - Spaceport Camden EIS - Notice of Scoping Period Extension

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received a number of requests to extend the scoping period. Therefore, we are extending the scoping comment period until January 18, 2016. 

All comments received during the scoping period, whether provided in writing or verbally, will be given equal weight and will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the Draft EIS.  More information on the proposed project and the NEPA process, the Notice of Intent, and the Scoping Meeting Information are available on the FAA Spaceport Camden EIS website.

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11/06/2015 - Spaceport Camden Launches Forward

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation issued a Notice of Intent on November 6, 2015 to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), open a public scoping period, and hold a public scoping meeting in Camden County, Georgia. Read more (PDF)...

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10/21/2015 - Board of County Commissioners Approve Appointments to the Environmental Sub-Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee

At the October 20, 2015 regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board of Commissioners, upon the recommendation of County Administrator Steve Howard, appointed nine additional committee members to serve on the Environmental Sub-Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. Howard recommended the appointments of Ashby Nix, Satilla Riverkeeper; Alex Kearns, St Marys Earthkeepers; Meagan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles; Russell Regnery, Ph.D., Little Cumberland Island; Ben Carswell, Jekyll Island Authority; Phil Fortune, J.D.,St. Simons Island; Charles McMillan, P.E., Georgia Conservancy; David Ball, Cumberland Island; and Mark Risse, Ph.D., Georgia Sea Grant and UGA Marine Extension. The new appointees will join Environmental Sub-Committee Chairman Clay Montague, Ph.D., who was also recently appointed by the Commissioners on October 6, 2015. Read more (PDF)...

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10/07/2015- Clay Montague, Ph.D. Appointed to Serve on Spaceport Camden Steering Committe

At the October 6, 2015 regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting, Dr. Clay Montague, a Camden County resident and Georgia native, was appointed by Commissioners to Chair the Environmental Sub Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. County Administrator Steve Howard recommended Dr. Montague for this role, which begins immediately. Dr. Montague has over 30 years’ experience as a university professor and coastal systems ecologist in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida. He also brings with him a wide array of coastal area experience as an environmental scientist, researcher, author of scientific papers, and consultant. Read more (PDF)...

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9/17/2015 - Board of County Commissioners Authorize Formation of Spaceport Steering Committee

At tonight’s Special Called Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board unanimously approved the formation of a Spaceport Steering Committee. The Board also approved County Administrator Steve Howard’s recommended appointment of Allen Burns, Coastal Regional Commission’s Executive Director, as the Chairman of this newly formed Committee. This approval is the first step in establishing the Committee. The County Administrator will bring back to the Board a finalized proposal regarding the suggested structuring and parameters of the Committee. Read more (PDF)...

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9/9/2015 - County signs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FAA

The Camden County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the Board of Commissioners meeting held tonight, September 8, 2015.  As the lead agency, the FAA will select an independent contractor to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address the potential environmental impacts of constructing and operating a commercial space launch site in Camden County, Georgia.  The EIS will be used to support the FAA’s determination on whether or not they should issue a Launch Site Operator License to Camden County. Read more (PDF)...

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7/17/2015 - County Administrator Returns to Atlanta for GA Space Working Group

On July 21, 2015 Camden County Administrator Steve Howard will be in Atlanta giving an update on the Spaceport Camden project and anticipated next milestones for the project.  The Georgia Space Working Group was established in 2011, and brings together aerospace leaders from across the state dedicated to growing existing Georgia space companies and attracting more space industry employers to the state.  With its strong aerospace industry, Georgia is a natural place for space-related companies to seek educational, manufacturing and research partnerships as well as to hire skilled workers across space sectors which include defense, intelligence, civil and commercial activities and users. Read more (PDF)...

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7/14/2015 - Andrew Nelson joins Spaceport Camden Project Team

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and County Administrator Steve Howard are pleased to announce the recent addition of Andrew Nelson to the Spaceport Camden Project Team. Nelson is a recognized leader in the commercial space sector with a diverse background leading innovative entrepreneurial space companies, the development of new regulatory environments for the industry and working with governments on the formation of spaceports and operational sites for the industry. Read more (PDF)...

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6/3/2015- Camden County Board of Commissioners Approves Option Agreement for Real Estate

On June 3, 2015, The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an option agreement to purchase 4,011 acres, more or less.  The subject property was the former location where the world's most powerful rocket motor was test fired in the 1960's.  The county will be commencing soon the next milestone of the project where by the Federal Aviation Administration prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address the potential environmental impacts of constructing and operating a commercial launch site in Camden County, Georgia. Read more (PDF)...

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3/5/2015 - County Administrator asked to address Georgia Space Working Group in Atlanta

On March 05, 2015 Camden County Administrator Steve Howard will be in Atlanta discussing the progress made concerning Spaceport Camden. Howard will also be there to participate in discussions concerning how to implement the recommendations from the Space Leadership Summit. The Georgia Space Leadership Summit, facilitated by the Sam Nunn School of International Studies at Georgia Tech in July, brought together aerospace leaders from across the state to develop a long range plan in relation to expanding Georgia’s market share of aerospace.

Howard served on the panel for Government and Legal Perspectives on Georgia Space. One of the key questions raised was ‘How can Georgia be developed as a significant provider of vertical and horizontal launch services?’ Howard says he is “thrilled to be asked to participate again and provide meaningful input. Camden County has an asset that can provide an economic advantage for Georgia and space operators. Several recommendations were based on the premise of the development of the Camden Spaceport and I look forward to attending this event and continuing discussions about this exciting opportunity.” Spaceport Camden would not only impact Camden and the Coastal region but it would also be a game-changer for the entire state of Georgia.

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3/03/2015 - Georgia’s Aerospace Industry Provides Big Economic Impact

The Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute has just completed a study that estimates the aerospace industry in Georgia in 2013 had a total economic impact of $50.8 Billion on the Georgia economy.  The study, commissioned by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace, identified 88,000 direct aerospace jobs with total payroll growing to $9.1 billion in 2013 from $8.4 billion in 2011. Direct aerospace output grew to $32.4 billion in 2013, and supported more than 130,000 indirect and induced jobs with earnings of $6.4 billion and economic output of $18.4 billion. Direct aerospace activity accounted for 1.7% of the state’s employment, but when combined with the indirect and induced activity contributes 5.3% of the state’s GDP. Read more (PDF)...

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7/23/14 - Howard to speak at Space Conference

(Woodbine, GA, July 23, 2014) - County Administrator Steve Howard has been invited to present a talk at the Georgia Space Leadership Summit on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at the GTRI Conference Center in Atlanta. The summit is presented by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace Georgia Tech Center for Space Technology and Research (C-STAR). Read more (PDF)...

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2/6/2014 - Camden Delegation Travels to Atlanta for Annual Fly-in

A delegation of chamber members and leaders traveled to Atlanta for the Chamber's Annual Fly-in. While there, community leaders spoke to legislators and state leadership on to discuss our opportunities and concerns, including Spaceport, Exit 1 (condition of visitors' center, message it sends to travelers, safety issues due to ramp design, and relationship to the Gateway Project), Cumberland Island visitor use plan, Kings Bay missions and retiring workforce, and need for a technical college. These meetings along with others throughout the year are paving the way toward solutions to grow our local economy.

Those attending included Steve Howard and Adam Kabasakalian (Camden County), Charlie Smith, Jr., Jeff Barker and Kelsey Pauxtis-Thomas (Joint Development Authority), Bert Guy, Bill Gross, Marie Lacek, Charlie A. Smith and Leslie Hamrick (Chamber), John Morrissey (City of St. Marys), Louise Mitchell (City of Woodbine), Tonya Rosado (City of Kingsland), Sheila McNeill and Joel Hanner (The Camden Partnership), Dr. Will Hardin and Rachel Baldwin (Camden County Schools), Alyce Thornhill and Christi Gallegher (GA Dept of Economic Development).

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