The Jacksonville Aviation Authority has secured funding and is moving to hire a consultant to guide Cecil Spaceport’s application for a federal re-entry license, with proposals due March 13.
A re-entry license is a Federal Aviation Administration authorization required for commercial spacecraft to safely return from Earth orbit or outer space, ensuring public safety during landing or impact. The FAA’s review criteria include safety and risk assessment, environmental review, financial responsibility and compliance.
The project is funded by Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development agency, at a cost of about $600,000, according to Matt Bocchino, managing director at Cecil.
JAA issued a request for qualifications Feb. 13 seeking consultants to guide the application process with the FAA. The awards committee is expected to make a selection in April, with work beginning in May, Bocchino said. No end date has been determined. As of Feb. 18, there are seven responses.
Bocchino said the application process could stretch to 2028.
“There’s a lot with the FAA. It’s a very stringent, strict safety process. The FAA is very cognizant of the people on the ground,” Bocchino said. “The consultant is going to do a lot of math.”
The JAA board voted unanimously Aug. 7 to approve a resolution supporting the effort.
The resolution states that acquiring the license would “expand aerospace capabilities in Northeast Florida,” leveraging Cecil Spaceport’s existing infrastructure, including its 12,500-foot runway and horizontal launch license.
It also cites potential benefits including biomedical and commercial space-based research and strategic partnerships with Texas-based Intuitive Machines and Jacksonville-based Hermeus and Redwire Space to advance reentry systems, hypersonic testing and satellite production.