ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has approved a $265 million plan to develop a commercial
spaceport. The port would conduct flights of tourists into space and
develop the emirate's nascent satellite industry.
The government approved a request by Space Adventures to conduct
operations in Ras Al Khaimah, about one hour's drive from Dubai. Officials
said the U.S. company, the only one to have sent tourists into space, would
operate suborbital flights from the emirate.
Under the plan, Space Adventures would employ the Russian-built
suborbital vehicle called Explorer, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the Explorer would have
the capacity to transport up to five people to an altitude of nearly 100
kilometers.
The company has not released its project's schedule. Officials said the
spaceport would be funded by Ras Al Khaimah and Space Adventures.
Industry sources said the spaceport would bolster UAE plans to create
a satellite and space industry. The UAE has two dual-use communications
satellites in orbit and intends to purchase a military spy satellite.
Under the plan, Space Adventures, based in Virginia, would work with Ras
Al Khaimah to expand the spaceport project beyond the UAE. Officials cited
such markets as Singapore and the United States.
So far, the UAE spaceport has garnered investment commitments of $30
million. Officials said the UAE would exploit its role as a leading tourist
site in
the Gulf.
"As a leader in tourism, the UAE is the ideal location for the
spaceport," Space Adventures president Eric Anderson said.
