Montana Group Proposes Billings Spaceport Facility
The proposed spaceport aims to utilize local rail and interstate infrastructure to launch small satellites.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Space
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Montana Spaceport & Test Range has unveiled plans to establish a new spaceport near Billings. The project seeks to leverage local military airspace and regional transportation connections to facilitate space access for researchers.
Why it matters
The development aims to provide universities and researchers with low-cost entry into space for small satellites. By utilizing low population density areas, the project seeks to establish a new hub for aerospace innovation.
The proposed site relies on existing military airspace access and proximity to regional rail and interstate infrastructure. Securing a full spaceport license is currently estimated to be a 5-year process.
The players
Montana Spaceport & Test Range
This entity is the primary developer behind the proposed spaceport project in Montana.
Exos Aerospace
This organization is a private aerospace company partnering with the project to manage launch operations.
The details
In partnership with Exos Aerospace, the site will support small-scale launches and experimental payloads. The initiative is intended to generate specialized career opportunities for engineers throughout the state.
Timeline
The full licensing process for the facility is expected to take approximately 5 years.
Exos Aerospace aims to conduct initial launch activity by fall 2027.
The Big Picture
This project initiates the lengthy regulatory journey mandated by the FAA's commercial space transportation licensing process. Success would signify a shift in the regional aerospace landscape by decentralizing launch sites.
Local residents and businesses may see new engineering career paths emerge as the project progresses toward launch readiness. The facility's completion would offer regional universities streamlined access to orbit for experimental payloads.
The takeaway
The proposed facility represents a significant infrastructure investment intended to capitalize on Montana's available military airspace and transit networks. Stakeholders and researchers should monitor the multi-year licensing timeline for upcoming regulatory milestones.
What happens next
The project will move through a 5-year licensing process, with Exos Aerospace targeting launch activity by fall 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local developments in the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Broadcasting System - Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas.
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