Loring Air Force Base: The New Frontier for Space Innovation in Maine
Northern Maine is about to make its mark on the aerospace industry as Portland-based HyperSpace Propulsion Inc. takes its ambitious project to the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. The aerospace startup, led by Richard H. Lugg, aims to revolutionize global air travel and spaceflight, with plans to establish a manufacturing and operations center at the Loring Arch Hangar by late 2024. This exciting development promises to breathe new life into the historic base, creating hundreds of jobs and bringing cutting-edge technology to a region that’s primed for aerospace innovation.
The Vision of HyperSpace Propulsion
HyperSpace Propulsion’s goal is nothing short of transformative: to design and build hypersonic aircraft capable of traveling anywhere in the world in under two hours. The company’s flagship project, the SpaceStar, is a spaceplane — a vehicle powered by rocket engines that can fly into low-Earth orbit before returning to Earth like a conventional airplane. This revolutionary design promises to significantly lower the cost of space transport, from $2,500 per pound to just $250 per pound.
According to Richard H. Lugg, this breakthrough technology will create a new space industry by addressing the bottleneck that currently hinders access to space. “We are the first and only company with a single-stage-to-orbit propulsion system and the engineering capabilities to make it a reality,” says Lugg. With plans to generate more than $1 billion in revenue by 2025 and create over 400 jobs, HyperSpace Propulsion’s vision holds the promise of reshaping not only space exploration but also the future of global air travel.
A New Chapter for Loring Air Force Base
The former Loring Air Force Base, which closed in 1994, has long been a symbol of the Cold War era. The massive Arch Hangar, a Cold War-era structure, has sat vacant for decades. But now, it’s poised to become the heart of a new aerospace hub. HyperSpace Propulsion has signed a letter of intent with Green 4 Maine LLC, a development company based at Loring, to renovate the Arch Hangar into a state-of-the-art spaceflight and manufacturing facility. The company expects to invest between $5 million and $7 million into this renovation, revitalizing the facility and positioning it as a key player in the space industry.
Loring’s location — far from the bustling cities of the east coast — makes it ideal for aerospace activities. The expansive, rural landscape offers plenty of space for rocket and spaceplane launches, while the former runway provides a ready-made platform for test flights and operations. In 2021, Loring made history when Brunswick-based bluShift Aerospace launched the world’s first rocket powered by carbon-neutral biofuel. Although bluShift later shifted its focus to coastal Maine for future launches, Loring remains a strategic site for the growing space sector.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The move to Loring is not just a win for HyperSpace Propulsion; it will be huge for the local economy. Lugg has set a goal to hire the first 100 employees by late 2025 or early 2026, with over 400 jobs expected to be created in the long term. These positions will span various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and operations, providing a much-needed boost to the economy in Aroostook County.
This development also strengthens Maine’s position in the rapidly expanding space industry. While Loring’s history is rooted in military aviation, it’s now being reimagined as a center for innovation, offering new opportunities for residents and businesses in northern Maine.
Looking Ahead
HyperSpace Propulsion is part of a broader trend of companies looking to push the boundaries of space travel and air transport. With the support of local organizations and the state’s commitment to fostering high-tech industries, Maine is positioning itself as a leader in space innovation. The renovation of Loring Air Force Base into a spaceplane manufacturing and test site is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for both the aerospace industry and the region.
As Maine prepares to welcome a new era of space exploration, all eyes will be on Loring Air Force Base, a site that is once again making history.