An analysis released on Monday found that a spaceport innovation and research park envisioned for Camden County, Georgia, would attract new projects launched by outside aeronautical firms, spurring job creation and investments in the local economy.
The analysis, which was undertaken by space analytics firm Astralytical at the behest of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, outlines a range of options for Spaceport Camden Innovation and Research Park based on existing facilities and programs, projected needs and potential supplemental markets.
In addition to encouraging the expansion and relocation of spaceport users and secondary supporters, Spaceport Camden could serve as an incubator for space-related startups and spinoffs and offer programs tailored to accelerate growth, the analysis found.
“Ultimately, launch operations will only be a small part of the overall economic activity at Spaceport Camden,” Steve Howard, the administrator of Camden County and the leader of the Spaceport Camden project, said. “One thing we’ve learned from this project is that there is tremendous private sector investment in the commercial space industry and we want to position Spaceport Camden to take full advantage of that opportunity. As space companies plan larger constellations with smaller rockets, Spaceport Camden is ideally positioned to serve as the epicenter of the new innovation-based economy. We also offer unique space manufacturing opportunities given our position on major transportation routes between other launch sites at Cape Canaveral and Wallops Island.”
The analysis identified additional economic opportunities for Spaceport Camden, including private spaceflight training, tourism, and facilities to foster community learning.
“Astralytical reviewed the facilities and activities at other launch sites around the country to determine best practices and identify the needs of space entrepreneurs,” Laura Forczyk, the report’s author and the founder of Astralytical, said. “This report is intended to offer county leaders a framework for leveraging Spaceport Camden into a research and innovation hub for Georgia.”