Mojave Air and Space Port

Why are there so many planes in Mojave?

Mojave, a city in California, is home to the Mojave Air and Space Port, which has a rich history in aviation and aerospace. The airport was initially established in 1935 and served the local mining industry. During World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps expanded the facility to train thousands of pilots, and it was later used by the Navy and Marines for various purposes.

There are several reasons for the high number of planes in Mojave:

• Storage: The Mojave Air and Space Port has a large, dry desert area that is ideal for storing aircraft. The low humidity and flat terrain make it a cost-effective location for airlines to park their planes temporarily or permanently.
• Aircraft recycling: Mojave is home to various aircraft recycling and dismantling companies, such as the Mojave Boneyard. These companies acquire retired aircraft and harvest their parts for resale or recycling, contributing to the high number of planes in the area.
• Aerospace research and development: The Mojave Air and Space Port is a hub for aerospace research and development, with companies like Stratolaunch and Virgin Galactic operating in the area. These companies test and develop new technologies, which can involve a large number of aircraft.
• Flight training: The area's history in military flight training continues to this day, with various organizations providing flight training services for both civilian and military pilots.

In summary, the high number of planes in Mojave can be attributed to its ideal storage conditions, aircraft recycling and dismantling companies, aerospace research and development, and flight training facilities.

Can you visit the airplane graveyard in Mojave?

Yes, you can visit the airplane graveyard in Mojave, also known as the Mojave Air and Space Port. The facility is open to the public, but tours are not offered. However, you can visit the Voyager Restaurant, which is located on the premises, and during official events, visitors are allowed to enter the airport property from the south on Airport Boulevard at the Highway 58 entrance.

While you can't get up close to the planes, you can still see them from a distance and take photographs. The best viewing spot is from South Bullard Avenue, which runs along the west side of the airport. Remember to be respectful of the facility's rules and not to enter restricted areas.

Who owns the Mojave Air and Space Port?

The Mojave Air and Space Port is owned by the East Kern Airport District (EKAD), a public agency created by the County of Kern in 1972. Its primary purpose is to manage and develop the airport for public use. The airport is located in Mojave, California, and serves as a hub for various aerospace activities, including flight testing, research, and development.

What companies are at the Mojave Space Port?

The Mojave Air and Space Port is home to numerous companies in the aerospace and aviation industries. Some of the notable companies and organizations based at the Mojave Space Port include:

• Virgin Galactic: A British spaceflight company that aims to provide suborbital spaceflights for space tourism and scientific research.
• The Spaceship Company: A subsidiary of Virgin Galactic, this company is responsible for manufacturing and assembling the SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo spacecraft.
• Masten Space Systems: A company that develops and tests reusable rocket technology for lunar and planetary missions.
• Scaled Composites: An aerospace company that designs and builds experimental aircraft, including the SpaceShipOne, which won the Ansari X Prize in 2004.
• National Test Pilot School: A professional training school for test pilots and flight test engineers.
• Orbital Sciences Corporation: A company that provides launch services and designs, builds, and tests space systems for commercial, military, and government customers.
• XCOR Aerospace: A company that develops and builds reusable rocket engines and launch vehicles.
• Firestar Technologies: A company that specializes in advanced propulsion systems and technologies for space exploration.
• Interorbital Systems: A company that develops and builds low-cost, modular satellite launch vehicles.
• Stratolaunch Systems: A company that develops and operates air-launch-to-orbit systems for satellite deployment.

These companies and organizations contribute to the diverse aerospace and aviation activities at the Mojave Air and Space Port, making it a hub for innovation and development in the industry.


Mojave Air and Space Port