PEW STATELINE • June 13, 2022
As spaceport proposals proliferate in places including Georgia, Maine and Michigan — far away from long-established federal launch sites in California and Florida — they’re drawing pushback over fears they could harm sensitive habitats, public safety and even drinking water. Critics warn that the noise and light generated by launch sites could harm wildlife, and failed launches could spread toxic materials and debris or even cause wildfires. In Maine, the town of Jonesport voted late last year to temporarily ban commercial rocket launches, after a company announced plans to build a launch site. Locals in the fishing industry led the opposition, worried that launch operations on a nearby island would interfere with their jobs and damage their gear.