Proposed Billings Spaceport Targets 2027 Launch
The five-year licensing process begins as the site aims to provide new low-cost space access for researchers.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Space
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The Montana Spaceport & Test Range has proposed a new launch facility in Billings, leveraging existing military airspace and transit infrastructure. The project, currently in the early proposal phase, involves a partnership with Exos Aerospace to support research and small satellite deployment.
Why it matters
This project aims to expand domestic aerospace infrastructure by providing universities and researchers with specialized, low-cost access to space for experimental payloads. The proposed Billings site is selected for its low population density and proximity to established rail and interstate logistics.
The proposed site requires a 5-year federal licensing process to secure authorization for active launch operations. The infrastructure plan integrates local rail and interstate access to support the transport of flight hardware for Exos Aerospace launch vehicles.
The players
Montana Spaceport & Test Range
An entity focused on developing aerospace launch infrastructure and testing capabilities within the state of Montana.
Exos Aerospace
A commercial launch provider focused on suborbital and orbital flight services for research and satellite payloads.
The details
The facility is designed to utilize dedicated military airspace to minimize flight path conflicts during launch sequences. By partnering with Exos Aerospace—a commercial firm specializing in suborbital and orbital launch systems—the spaceport intends to provide end-to-end launch services for small satellites. The site selection prioritizes geographical low population density to simplify safety requirements for launch trajectories.
Timeline
Fall 2027: Earliest projected timeframe for initial launch activity.
5 years: Anticipated duration to complete the full spaceport licensing process.
The Tech Race
The proposal follows a broader industry push to regionalize launch capacity for academic and small-scale commercial users. It sits within the competitive field of U.S. spaceports attempting to secure FAA commercial space transportation licensing to accommodate the rising demand for frequent suborbital access.
The facility is designed to generate specialized career paths for Montana engineers over the coming years as licensing and site development proceed. Launch activity is not scheduled to commence until fall 2027, provided all regulatory requirements are met.
The takeaway
The project offers a new venue for research-grade small satellite deployment if it successfully navigates federal aviation regulations over the next five years. Watch for the completion of the environmental assessment phase, which will indicate if the facility remains on track for its 2027 launch goal.
Further reading
For more on the current state of regional launch infrastructure, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Broadcasting System - Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas.
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