Guest:  Rob Lauer;  Topics:  The Las Vegas Spaceport Development Project and more.  For more information, see their website at https://lasvegasspaceport.org. 

Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.

We welcomed Rob Lauer to the program to talk about his new development project, the Las Vegas Spaceport (see https://lasvegasspaceport.org).  For those of you that know the Las Vegas area, it will be built on currently undeveloped land, 160 acres, on Highway 160 between Las Vegas and the city to the west, Pahrump, NV.  At one point during our discussion Rob talked about being able to fly tourists from the L.V. Strip hotel area to the spaceport via helicopter for a short 15 minute ride to avoid traffic.  Early in the program, Rob, in response to my question about the spaceport doing launches, said they would be using the space planes being developed now in Canada and elsewhere.  One such company mentioned was Radian Aerospace (see https://www.radianaerospace.com).

Rob had lots to say about the establishment of a STEM Academy at the spaceport.  Don't miss his details.  Furthermore, he has planned a luxury hotel/casino/resort for the spaceport as he sees the Las Vegas tourist market as a significant market for the spaceport. He was asked quite a few questions about the market, how the Las Vegas tourist market held up during the pandemic and why he believes it will supply growth for the spaceport.  What do you think?  Please post your comments on our blog.

As a pilot himself, he had much to say about the air space where the spaceport will be located.  Apparently it is in a region that outside both Nellis AFB traffic and the Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport.  Being outsight controlled airspace provides major benefits for the spaceplane plus other types of flights he wants to offer such as Zero G and high altitude flights to see the terminator line.  Later in the discussion, he talked about limited investment opportunity through an equity crowd funding program. Check it out per his instructions if you are interested.

Safety came up which offered our guest the chance to compare safety with human spaceflight and what happened with the recent Ocean Gate sub going down to see the Titanic.  Share your thoughts with us on his comparison by posting on our blog. I suggest using the tags to see a short summary of all topics discussed on the show.  The tags are repeated here:  "Rob Lauer, Las Vegas Spaceport, space race with China, capacity crisis, vertical launch spaceport, point to point access for the future, space plane, hybrid scramjet engines, cost competitiveness with previous and existing spaceships, space plane companies, Canada, FAA for private airport, ten year plan, STEM Academy, two year company internships, R&D vehicle testing, Las Vegas and 42 million tourists, capital acquisition, national debt discussed, human capital, 140 acres of land, Las Vegas clear airspace for operations, no debt project, astronaut training, pilot training, risk and the Ocean Gate example, Las Vegas pandemic economy, Moon World Resorts comparison project, commercial aircraft at the spaceport, spaceport development priorities, local reaction to spaceport, airport authority approvals."

Please post your comments/questions for Rob Lauer on our blog for this show.  He can be reached through the Las Vegas Spaceport website above or though The Space Show.