Maine Space 2030 is an initiative designed to build awareness, support, and interest in the New Space Economy and the Maine Space Complex. The initiative includes K-12 educational programs, networking and coalition building between space-related businesses in Maine, public communication about the New Space industry, and the benefits of hosting a space data and analytics center, innovation hub, and launch facilities. It also includes the inaugural Maine Space 2030 Conference that will take place in Portland November 5-7, 2023.
The Maine Space Complex is comprised of three core business units that will span several geographic locations around the state of Maine.
3. A small rocket “Spaceport” Launch Facility
The Maine Space Complex offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for the people of Maine across several economic sectors. At a minimum, it will:
The Maine Space Complex project is projected to create 500 jobs by 2030 and between 3,700-5,500 jobs over 20 years across the state.
The Data Center and the Innovation Center will take approximately 10 years to complete. The vertical launch facility may take decades due to the need to identify the right location and conduct impact studies.
No. The Maine Space Corporation is responsible for this project, and they are mandated by the Legislature to restrict the use of a launch facility for research, educational, and commercial uses.
Location. Its latitudinal and longitudinal location on the coast of Maine is ideally suited for small rocket launches into polar orbit.
There is no planned facility at this moment, however, depending on the number of launch pads (one or two), and the number of buildings (R&D, operations, assembly, etc.) on the site, the size of the facility may range from 4.5 acres to 18 acres.
Rockets launched at the Maine facility will be small-lift rockets, less than 100 feet tall.
Small Satellites defined by mass:
Yes. Education and workforce development are critical to the foundation of the Maine Space Complex and its success, and there will be opportunities for schools to participate in K-12 STEM programming associated with the Maine Space Complex, as well as college-level and workforce training, education, and skills development.
The Maine Space Corporation has no authority to dictate the location of a launch site. Ultimately, the community will decide to accept the launch site designation using whatever local approval process at their disposal, including the planning board and a community-wide vote.
A vertical site is well suited for remote coastal locations within Washington County and northern Hancock County.
A launch site on the Maine coast will require coordination with the local fishing community during launch periods.
The FAA requires a full environmental impact assessment to be conducted prior to approval for licensing; this report would be shared with the public during the planning stages before any infrastructure development. The approach to siting the launch facility will be transparent and open.
Sustainability is a value the Maine Space Corporation will prioritize starting with these five areas: carbo emissions mitigation, marine health, space debris recovery, biodiversity, and onsite operations.
Rocket launches are equivalent to the noise generated by the B-52s that flew in and out of Loring during WWII, however, the duration will be shorter. Once launched, the vehicle is out of hearing range and almost out of sight within 10 seconds.
Yes, however, the lights will be minimal and only used at full capacity during evening launches.
The Maine Space Corporation has a legislative mandate to prioritize launch providers that use non-toxic fuel, eg, bluShift Aerospace.
Yes. The facility will be designed for public launch viewing, learning programs, public tours, and product development.
The funding has not yet been determined. Other spaceports are funded by a mix of federal, state and private capital.
Safety is the number one priority at any launch facility; however, risk is always involved. The FAA carefully licenses the launch vehicles for safety and multiple levels of control are involved in ensuring public safety.
