Los Angeles area Event report • Committees
Exclusive Site Visit: Mojave Air & Space Port (MASP)
From Desert to Orbit: Step inside the North America's leading aerospace test center.
In the heart of the California desert, the Mojave Air & Space Port stands as a unique intersection of aviation history and aerospace innovation. Our Mobility Committee had the privilege to explore this rare environment, where experimental flight testing, space development, and pilot training come together in one of the world’s most advanced aerospace hubs.
A Strategic Hub for Aerospace Innovation
Mojave Air & Space Port is internationally recognized as a center for experimental flight testing, aerospace development, and space operations. It is home to pioneering companies, cutting-edge flight programs, and historic milestones in aviation.
The visit began with a presentation highlighting MASP’s role as a business and mission partner ecosystem, outlining current operational capabilities, infrastructure, and the unique value proposition the spaceport offers to aerospace and New Space companies.
Guided Tour of a One-of-a-Kind Aerospace Ecosystem
Participants took part in a guided tour of the airfield and surrounding facilities, gaining direct insight into daily operations at a fully functioning spaceport.
Key highlights included:
- a walkthrough of the airfield and flight line, offering visibility into ongoing testing and aviation activities;
- an up-close look at the Mojave “boneyard,” where retired aircraft are stored and repurposed, illustrating the full lifecycle of aviation assets;
- exposure to the operational complexity required to run a spaceport supporting both experimental and commercial activity.
This portion of the visit provided a rare opportunity to understand how Mojave balances heritage aviation assets with forward-looking aerospace innovation.
National Test Pilot School: Training the Future of Flight
The group also had the chance to visit the National Test Pilot School (NTPS), one of the world’s leading institutions for experimental test pilot and flight test engineer training.
Participants were given access to training and testing aircraft and learned about the school’s mission to prepare highly skilled pilots and engineers for the most demanding aerospace environments. The visit also offered insight into simulator operations and advanced testing methodologies used in modern flight development programs.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Throughout the visit, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with experienced professionals and ask questions about the operational, technical, and strategic dimensions of aerospace testing and spaceport management.
These exchanges provided valuable perspective on how innovation is developed, validated, and deployed in real-world aerospace environments, from experimental aircraft to emerging space technologies.
Conclusion
The visit to Mojave Air & Space Port and the National Test Pilot School offered participants a unique immersion into one of the most advanced aerospace ecosystems in the world. Beyond its historical significance, Mojave stands as a living laboratory where aviation and space technologies are actively designed, tested, and refined.
The FACC California extends its sincere thanks to all teams at MASP and NTPS for their time, insights, and hospitality!
