Opinion: Utah — a launchpad for the future

Utah is known for its breathtaking landscapes, pioneering spirit and industrious people. But did you know our state is also a powerhouse of aerospace and defense innovation? With industry giants like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Boeing driving technological development alongside our world-class universities and Hill Air Force Base, Utah has solidified itself as a leader in this high-flying sector.

Nationally, 2.2 million people are employed in this thriving sector, earning wages that are 50% higher than the national average. In Utah, the aerospace and defense industry accounts for an impressive 20% of Utah’s economy, employing nearly 300,000 individuals. Utah’s foresight ensures we’re punching above our weight.

This legislative session marks the dawn of an exciting chapter for Utah’s aerospace ambitions. We are proposing the formation of an exploratory committee to evaluate the feasibility of building a spaceport in our state, focusing on logistical, economic and environmental factors. Imagine it: a Utah spaceport — the gateway to the next frontier of exploration and discovery.

Why Utah? The answer is simple: Utah’s aerospace ecosystem is already soaring, and we’re about to take it to a whole new altitude. Our existing aerospace infrastructure provides a solid foundation, while our geographic advantages — clear airspace, favorable weather and excellent transportation networks — make us an ideal candidate.

This isn’t just a pipe dream.

On Feb. 11, 1971, the Utah Legislature passed SB121, establishing the “Space Port Committee.”

This committee brought together a wide range of local business leaders, political figures and state government officials. Feasibility studies led by University of Utah professors from engineering, economics and other fields highlighted that Utah’s high elevation could result in significant cost savings for space shuttle launches. The studies emphasized that more payload could be sent into orbit at a lower cost.

The Utah Spaceport Committee worked diligently to gain support, gathering endorsements from Utah’s congressional delegation, state and local officials and even representatives from neighboring states. The committee also organized visits to Utah for members of Congress and NASA officials to bolster their case.

While Utah was primed and ready, Cape Canaveral was ultimately selected as the launch site for the research and development phase.

This time around, we’re already one foot in the door. Utah-based Northrop Grumman already produces the solid rocket boosters for NASA’s Space Launch System, which powers the Artemis missions.

Utah universities and research institutions contribute to space exploration through cutting-edge research in fields such as robotics, material science and planetary science. Institutions like Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory are renowned for building small satellite systems and conducting research on space weather and imaging technologies.

A spaceport would solidify Utah as a prominent player in the global space industry and open more doors for Utahns in high-tech careers like aerospace engineering and space science.

A spaceport would act as a magnet for investment, partnerships and talent, bolstering Utah’s thriving clusters in technology, manufacturing and aerospace. It would diversify our economy, create high-quality jobs and foster innovation across sectors.

Some might wonder if this initiative is too ambitious. To that, we say: Utah’s story has always been one of bold ambition. From building a thriving economy in the heart of the desert to becoming a global hub for innovation, we’ve never shied away from dreaming big. By investing in the future of space exploration, we’re paving the way for the next frontier of possibility.

Utah stands at a crossroads. We can watch from the sidelines as the space industry takes off, or we can lead the way. By exploring the feasibility of a spaceport, we’re choosing to lead, to innovate and to dream big.