First Space Port

Mojave became the first Inland Space Port within the US on June 17, 2004. SpaceShip One, the first private venture to space on June 21, 2004, quickly followed this event.   Airport General Manager Stuart Witt points out, that “this really put Mojave on the map worldwide, but this is not the first time we made aerospace history.”

Photo by: PierreKandorfer.com

SpaceShip One

Scaled Composite’s SpaceShip One created, tested and successfully launched from Mojave, became the first private rocket ship to fly to the edge of space. The totally innovative rocket was designed by the aerospace legend Burt Rutan – and first piloted by Mike Melville.  This is now considered to be the biggest milestone in non-governmental exploration of space worldwide.

The next step in private space exploration is underway. SpaceShip Two, financed by Virgin Galactic (as subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic), is soon going to be ready to fly. This will be the next major step in the  upcoming space tourism business.

With Voyager Around the World

The Voyager, another revolutionary design by Burt Rutan, is the first aircraft in aviation history to fly around the world without refueling. Voyager was flown by Burt’s brother Dick, and Jeanne Yeager.

EZ Rocket Impressed Experts

The EZ Rocket, a tiny experimental plane equipped with two rocket engines and developed by XCOR Aerospace of Mojave, also made aviation history. “Mojave is for aerospace research and development what Silicon Valley used to be for the computer industry,” XCOR president Jeff Greason to the media.

Photo by: PierreKandorfer.com

Aviation Business Friendly Environment

 Why is Mojave Air & Space Port so successful? As Mojave’s Business Director Tom Weil explains, Mojave offers an exceptionally business friendly regulatory environment.

 “With our 300 plus days of sunshine per year, clean air, low humidity and excellent relationships with county and state agencies – coupled with our site plan review authority,  allows us to be very proactive with businesses expanding or relocating to the Mojave High Desert.”

 Interconnected with Edwards and China Lake

 Located less than one hundred miles North of Los Angeles, Mojave has access to major suppliers, a skilled labor force, true inter-modal capability and the major Western Flight Test ranges within the 2508 military complex. 

 Bob Rice, Director of Operations, highlights the fact that “these ranges, co-utilized by Edwards AFB, NASA Dryden, China Lake Naval Weapon Center and Air Force Plant 42 – as well as Mojave tenants – make our airport vital for flight testing and aerospace development.”

 National Test Pilot School

Furthermore, Mojave’s unique and academically accredited National Test Pilot School offers experienced test pilots the ability to enhance their skills and perform intricate test missions. The NTPS operates about forty different airplanes and maintains a worldwide reputation as the premier Civilian Test Pilot School.

Photo by: PierreKandorfer.com

Best and Longest Runways

Mojave is classified by the FAA as a Class D airport with fuel service, restaurant, tower, and major and minor airplane modification and repair. The airport’s runway infrastructure boasts three runways with six takeoff and landing directions.

Runway 12/30 offers a length of 12,500 feet to pilots, – and is one of the longest non military runways in the region, allowing takeoffs and landings of the heaviest cargo planes – such as the Boeing 747-400.

Photo by: PierreKandorder.com

Perfect Airplane Storage

Airline companies from the US and abroad discovered decades ago that Mojave also is a perfect desert place for aircraft storage. Dozens of airliners are parked here, waiting for the next flight.

 “What we are all about is that we are an established aerospace think tank promoting inspiration and imagination around the clock,” general manger Stuart Witt emphasizes. “Dozens of Mojave’s cutting-edge aerospace research and design companies are the best proof that we are on the right track.”