8-02. Scope of Work- Spaceport Economic Analysis and Site Assessment.docx

Scope of Work - SPACEPORT Siting Assessment and Economic Impact Analysis of a Potential Spaceport in Utah

Introduction Utah Senate Bill S.B. 62 established the Spaceport Exploration Committee under Utah Code Title 72, Chapter 10, Part 13. The committee consists of 13 members, including legislators, state agency representatives, aerospace industry experts, academics, and military and airport liaisons. The primary task of the committee is to study whether a spaceport in Utah is technically and economically feasible.

An initial feasibility study determined that, from a technical perspective, it is likely feasible to host a spaceport in Utah. The study showed that at least one launch trajectory is possible from the following seven geographic areas near: Promontory, Wendover, Vernal, Delta, Green River, Bluff, and Kanab. Launch areas were assumed to be 10–15-mile diameter in size and located at least ten miles away from the geographic area. See attached summary findings that were prepared by The Aerospace Corporation for further information.

With this preliminary determination on the technical feasibility, the committee has directed the Utah Department of Transportation to procure a siting assessment and economic impact analysis to determine whether there is a business case for a spaceport within the state of Utah. This analysis will help the state understand potential benefits, challenges, risks, and requirements of developing a spaceport at a given location, and how it might catalyze innovation, investment, and job creation across multiple sectors.

Project Phasing and Schedule Phase 1 - Initial Screening Purpose: Narrow the seven geographic areas to two or three locations using the following criteria as a minimum:

1) Market demand from potential spaceport users (i.e., target market alignment, customer accessibility, growth potential, ability to fulfill unrealized demand and/or market gaps, etc.)

2) Capital and operating costs of infrastructure necessary to operate a financially sustainable spaceport (i.e., transportation, power, water, sewer, natural gas, high speed communications, emergency and safety services, spaceport facilities, site preparation, etc.)

3) Regulatory and Environmental constraints (i.e., NEPA, other environmental reviews, land ownership and control, FAA licensing, airspace integration, etc.)

4) Economic potential (i.e., potential for return on investment, job creation, GDP growth, tax base growth, incremental scaling, etc.)

5) Proximity to population centers and other resources necessary for spaceport operations

Duration: Two to three months. Present recommendations of the locations for further analysis at the May/June 2026 Spaceport Exploration Committee meeting.

Phase 2 - Detailed Analysis Purpose: Conduct a detailed economic and siting analysis of the top two or three potential spaceport locations identified in Phase 1.

Duration: Four to five months. Present recommendations and findings at the October 2026 Spaceport Exploration Committee meeting.

Scope of Work for Detailed Analysis The primary objective of Phase 2 is to conduct a siting assessment and economic impact analysis that evaluates the economic viability of developing a spaceport for vertical, orbital launches at the two or three locations determined in Phase 1. The analysis will provide a data-driven foundation to support strategic planning and policy decisions. The study should provide information of both benefits and drawbacks so that state leaders can make an informed decision.

Specifically, the study must include the following components for each location determined in Phase 2:

Economic Impact Analysis

1. Evaluate direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of a spaceport, including:

a. Analyzing the economic benefits of developing a spaceport, including job creation, growth of Utah’s aerospace industry, local and supportive business growth, revenue generation, and an analysis of projected customers that could use the spaceport.

b. Explain the methodology and approach that will be utilized, including the economic modeling tool and data sources the consultant will use.

2. Identify resources (assistance) the state may leverage for the development of a particular site(s), including tax benefits, land ownership, land use authority, and regulatory benefits. Currently, no funding sources have been identified.

3. Explore use cases for spaceflight, satellite launches, orbital and suborbital flights, research and development, tourism, and aerospace manufacturing, including:

a. Provide a market analysis that evaluates the potential demand for vertical, orbital space launch services in Utah, including potential government, military, commercial, and international customers and competitors.

b. Build the best business case for each site that describes how a spaceport could meet customer needs and attract private financing for the spaceport.

c. Recommend strategies on leveraging the spaceport to grow the space industry in Utah, potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities.

d. Evaluate the determinants of success and failure for existing spaceports across the United States, and comparatively analyze these factors against the context of Utah.

4. Analyze the initial cost of establishing a spaceport and how other spaceports have funded and/or financed these costs, including initial investment, operations, regulatory compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration. Also include an analysis of long-term financing structures that would help attract customers and sustain the investment of the spaceport.

5. Assess workforce development needs for the spaceport at each location, including identifying gaps between existing skills and those needed to establish and operate a spaceport.

6. Provide a recommended governance model for a potential spaceport in Utah Siting Assessment

1. Assess infrastructure needs for each site, including existing infrastructure and upgrades needed to support spaceport operations including launchpads, control centers, roads, utilities, and support facilities. The assessment must include, but should not be limited to:

a. Site accessibility for transportation and logistical purposes;

b. Proximity of a site to major highways, airports, railroads, and ports;

c. Significant infrastructure improvements and upgrades needed at a site

d. Proximity to power, water, sewer, high speed telecommunications, natural gas, and any other utility resources necessary for spaceport operations.

2. Assess other site-specific factors for each location that may impact the ability of a spaceport to operate at that location, including:

a. Weather/meteorological related factors

b. Environmental/NEPA resource impacts, including air quality

c. Utah airspace and DOW sites/missions conflicts

d. Airspace availability

Risk Assessment

1. Provide a risk analysis. Identify and quantify the economic, environmental, operational, airspace and other major risks of establishing a spaceport at each location.

Study Topics to Be Addressed The study must address (but is not limited to) the following core areas:

Types of Spaceport Activities:

· satellite launches

· scientific missions

· national defense missions

· space exploration

· space cargo and resupply missions

· space tourism

· space industry research and development

· communications

· other commercial space flights

· reentry/landing/space vehicle recovery

· orbital and sub-orbital spaceflight

· Potential Industry Clusters:

· Aerospace manufacturing

· Space technology firms

· Defense and national security agencies and contractors

· STEM research institutions and other affiliated universities

· Weather and atmospheric sciences

· Communications

· Advanced materials and composites

· In-space materials/product development

· Transportation

· Target Users and Partners:

· Commercial Space Companies

· Research and Development

· Universities

· Federal agencies (NASA, DoD, FAA) and supporting contractors

· Private investors

· Department of War and supporting contractors

· Economic Impact Categories:

· Direct and indirect job creation

· Construction and infrastructure investment

· Local business development and supply chain expansion

· Tourism and hospitality industry growth

· Tax revenue implications

· Regional economic considerations

· Return on investment

· Workforce and Education Alignment:

· STEM education and training needs

· Potential for university and technical college partnerships

· Workforce needs for spaceport operation by job/skill type

· Comparable Case Studies

· Analysis of economic outcomes from other U.S. spaceports (e.g., Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Spaceport America, Mojave Air & Space Port, Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport). Include metrics such as job creation, return on investment(ROI) timelines, and lessons learned.

· Regulatory and Legal Considerations

· FAA licensing,

· NEPA compliance/Environmental permitting including air quality

· Utah airspace and Department of War(DOW) sites/missions

· State and local zoning regulations

Study Deliverables The selected contractor will provide a comprehensive final report including the following for each site subject to Phase II analysis:

· Executive Summary

· Economic modeling and analysis results

· Estimated Return on Investment (ROI) and timelines with considerations relative to launch frequency.

· Potential funding strategies and public-private partnerships

· Recommended spaceport development scenarios (path forward to implement)

· Site infrastructure needs report

· Initial high level environmental overview of the site(s)

· Initial implications for Utah airspace and DOW sites/missions

· SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and comparison between all sites. Compare the overall economic viability of potential spaceport locations, detailing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each site. Determine criteria to be used.

· Maps, charts, and geospatial data visualizations

· Future recommendations of items that need further study and consideration including legislation.

· Interim presentation to reduce site locations - Phase I

· Final presentation to Spaceport Exploration Committee - Phase II. In person, open to the public meeting held in Salt Lake City, approximately October 2026.

· Appendices with supporting technical data

Meetings

· Management Meetings to check in on progress (Bi-weekly to monthly)

· Interim updates to the Spaceport Exploration Committee. Expected at completion of phase I, midpoint update of phase II, and final presentation.

· No community or public stakeholder engagement anticipated

Supplemental Information

· Utah Spaceport Initial Feasibility Study Presentation from The Aerospace Corporation

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