YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma City Council received an update on the spaceport project Tuesday night, explaining where the port could be located and where work is progressing.

This project has been in the works for several years. It will be located near the Arizona State Penitentiary.

The port will focus more on satellite launches.

The city is currently in the process of applying to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“They want to make sure that everything we launch into space, that the safety cones don’t impact populated areas, that all of that is taken care of,” Yuma City Administrator Jay Simon said. Tong said.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nichols says this is a big step for potential new industry in Yuma.

“It’s not just about, one, changing the way the world perceives us, but two, it’s an industry that wants to be located here. So the companies that are making rockets and building that industry. “Companies that are going to want to be close to where the launches are going to take place,” he said. Mayor Nichols.

The launch is expected to take off in Yuma County and head south, meaning the city will have to work with Mexico.

“We have to communicate with them and let them know what we’re doing and make sure they’re happy with it, because I showed the council , because those rockets will be heading south over Mexico, the Gulf of California, and the United States’ Pacific Ocean,” Simonton said.

If all goes to plan, the city hopes the first rocket will be launched in 2026/27.