Spaceport Sheboygan
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Spaceport Sheboygan is a proposed spaceport in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
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[edit] Launch site
Sheboygan was first used as a site for launching suborbital rockets in 1995. [1] More than 300 students from Wisconsin and neighboring states developed and ran experiments using eight foot rockets as part of a local Rockets for Schools program. 20 foot rocket were also launched with assistance from specialists. Sheboygan's location west of a restricted airspace over a large lake is ideal for launching rockets and spaceships. [1] An area of Lake Michigan has been restricted since the 1940s, when the United States military had an anti-aircraft training range at Camp Haven. The camp has been closed since 1959, and is the site has been redeveloped as Whistling Straits golf course.
[edit] Proposed spaceport
State Senator Joe Leibham and State Assembly representative Steve Kestell introduced legislation in the state legislature to create a Wisconsin Aerospace Authority in 2005. The proposed site has been endorsed by NASA astronauts like Jim Lovell. [2] The bill was signed by Wisconsin governor James Doyle in April 2006. [3] The authority was created to allow the proposed spaceport to use NASA funds. The proposal does not include using any public funds. [4] The spaceport would become the only spaceport in the Midwestern United States if it gets developed.
[edit] Great Lakes Aerospace and Science Center
A space museum is also under separate consideration called the Great Lakes Aerospace and Science Center. The center would be located at the current site of the Sheboygan Municipal Auditorium and Armory.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Marley, Patrick (2005-11-29). Bill envisions liftoff for Sheboygan. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
- ^ Jones, Tim (January 29, 2006). Sheboygan wants to be big cheese in space. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
- ^ Babe, Ann (April 17, 2006). Doyle signs off on new spaceport. Badger Herald. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
- ^ Egan, Dan (2005-12-26). Sheboygan's space odyssey. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
- Johnson, Courtney (April 4, 2006). Sheboygan could benefit economically from state spaceport. Badger Herald. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.