Overview
The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA), also known as ‘Virginia Space,' was created by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1995, with the legislated mission of promoting commercial space activity, economic development and aerospace research within the Commonwealth.
History of MARS
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia created the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA), also known as ‘Virginia Space,' in 1995 to promote the development of the commercial space flight industry, economic development, aerospace research, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education throughout the Commonwealth.
In 1997, Virginia Space entered into a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA, which provided for permitted use of land on NASA Wallops Island for the MARS launch pads. Virginia Space also applied for and was granted an FAA license to launch to orbit. This lead to establishment of the Virginia Space Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), located on the southern portion of NASA Wallops Island. MARS is approved for launch azimuths from 38 to 60 degrees, making it an ideal location from which to launch to the International Space Station (ISS).
Visitor Information
MARS is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Chesapeake Bay on the west. The Eastern Shore is a quiet place of great natural beauty. A rich history graces the area with historic homes, churches, museums, and landmarks inviting visitors to explore the past. Major festivals and events are held annually by local communities to celebrate heritage of the area. Outdoorsmen will find excellent fishing, crabbing, camping, hunting, boating, and swimming. Just sixty miles south of MARS is the famed Bay Creek Resort, ranked 12th nationally by Golf World Magazine. Ninety-six miles to the south sits the resort town of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and to the north is Ocean City, Maryland. Both ocean side towns offer many attractions, including convention centers providing named entertainment, concerts, and cultural events.
2017 General Assembly Legislation for the Space Flight Authority states the Authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of nine members, two of whom shall be the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation or their respective designees. The remaining seven members shall be appointed by the Governor and shall have experience in at least one of the following fields: (i) the aerospace industry, (ii) the financial industry, (iii) the marketing industry, (iv) scientific and technological research and development; or (v) higher education.