Yuma is now a finalist in the running for up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program that could establish a spaceport there. If that happens, it could create thousands of jobs and drive billions in economic growth in Arizona.
If selected, the money could help establish Yuma as a key player in national security and bring down some launch costs compared to coastal alternatives.
A cutting-edge spaceport would also position the city to benefit from the satellite communications industry. And as they’re distributed over the next 10 years, funds from the NSF Regional Engines program would also help further develop eco-friendly propulsion systems for space exploration.
Representing the Southwest Regional Aerospace Innovation Alliance, Yuma is one of two Arizona-based applicants out of the group of 71 finalists. The other is based in the University of Arizona and aims to make the state a proving ground for transformative mining technologies, according to the university.
