Mojave Air and Space Port

Mojave Spaceport is not just an airport, but a true gateway to the future of aviation and space, located in the heart of the California desert. This is a place where history meets innovation: starting its life in 1935 as a small airfield for gold miners, today it is the first facility in the USA licensed for horizontal launches of reusable spacecraft. It was from here that the private suborbital vehicle SpaceShipOne made its historic flight. The atmosphere of innovation and great achievements is felt everywhere here, from the runways to the hangars where breakthrough aerospace technologies are born.

Features and Uniqueness of Mojave Spaceport

The main advantage of this place is its multifunctionality and key role in the aerospace industry. Firstly, it is a major flight test centre, home to the National Test Pilot School. The proximity to the restricted airspace of Edwards Air Force Base creates ideal conditions for testing the latest aircraft.

Secondly, Mojave is known as one of the world's largest "aircraft graveyards". Thanks to the dry and hot desert climate, airlines from around the world store their liners here for temporary preservation or subsequent dismantling. This impressive spectacle attracts many plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts. Finally, it is home to the boldest and most innovative projects, including the development of ships for space tourism and giant carrier aircraft, making it a truly unique object on the map of world aviation.

Below you will find contact information for Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV), which will help you get in touch with the administration and airport services.

• Official Website: Visit the official website of Mojave Spaceport for the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and news.
• Inquiry Phone: For general questions, you can call: +1 (661) 824-2433.
• Airport Address: 1434 Flight Line, Mojave, CA 93501, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or call by phone.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the spaceport's official social media pages, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: Mojave Spaceport is not a major hub for commercial passenger transport. For issues related to luggage or support, you should contact your air carrier directly or the general airport information service for further instructions.

Getting to Mojave Spaceport, located in the desert region of California, is most convenient by car, as public transport options in this area of the USA are severely limited. Below are the main ways to reach this unique facility from the city of Mojave and other settlements.

Car Rental is the most practical and recommended option. You can rent a car at one of the major nearby airports, for example, at Hollywood Burbank Airport or Meadows Field Airport, and drive comfortably to your destination. The drive from the centre of Mojave city to the spaceport is very short and will take only 5-10 minutes. Renting a car will also give you the freedom to explore the surroundings, which are rich in interesting landscapes.

Taxis and Transfers. In the city of Mojave itself, you can find a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft), however, the number of cars may be limited, and waiting times long. A more reliable, but significantly more expensive method is to book a private transfer in advance. This is especially relevant if you are travelling from Los Angeles or another distant city. The cost of such a trip can run into hundreds of dollars.

Public Transport. Direct bus or rail routes to Mojave Spaceport itself are absent. Some regional bus carriers (e.g., Kern Transit) operate flights to the city of Mojave, but you will still have to get from the bus stop to the spaceport by taxi. This option is the most budget-friendly, but extremely inconvenient and is not recommended for tourists with luggage or a tight schedule.

Airport Parking. Mojave Spaceport is not a typical passenger airport, but spacious parking is usually provided for visitors arriving for excursions or events. Most often it is free. Nevertheless, if you plan to attend a specific event, it is recommended to clarify parking conditions in advance.

Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) is a unique facility that differs radically from traditional passenger airports. Its main purpose is not serving commercial airlines, but functioning as a centre for flight tests, aerospace technology development, and private astronautics. Therefore, its structure is oriented towards the needs of engineers, pilots, and private aviation, rather than a mass flow of tourists.

The airport does not have a division into multiple terminals like major international hubs. In fact, there is one main terminal complex functioning here, which can be better described as an FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) or business aviation centre. It serves private and charter flights, aircraft crews, and the staff of companies working within the spaceport territory. Administrative offices are also located here.

The airport map mainly consists of runways, taxiways, numerous hangars, and the famous "aircraft graveyard"—an area for the storage and dismantling of airliners. Navigation for visitors arriving by car is simple: signs lead to the main building and public areas, such as the well-known Voyager restaurant. Transfers between terminals are non-existent as they are unnecessary.

Departure and arrival zones are not designed for the general public. Registration and control procedures for private flights are conducted quickly and on an individual basis, without long queues and standard check-in counters. Time spent on formalities is minimal, as the passenger flow is incomparable to commercial airports. Most visitors arrive in Mojave by car to look at unusual aircraft or attend events.

The main recommendation for a traveller interested in this place: perceive Mojave Spaceport not as a transport hub, but as a landmark. Access to the airfield and most buildings is strictly restricted. Your navigation will be limited to moving between the parking lot, the main building, and viewing areas, from where a view of the futuristic activity of this unique facility in the USA opens up.

The history of Mojave airport is a fascinating journey from a humble airfield to the first licensed private spaceport in the USA. Founded in 1935, it initially served as a small airstrip for aircraft serving local gold and silver mines. With the onset of World War II, the facility was transferred to the US Marine Corps, significantly expanded, and turned into an auxiliary air station (MCAAS Mojave) for pilot training. After the war and a short-term reactivation during the Korean War, the airport was finally returned to civil management in 1961.

Since the 1970s, Mojave Airport has become a centre for flight tests and innovation. It was here that legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan founded his company, Scaled Composites. This period was marked by one of the greatest achievements in aviation history: in 1986, the aircraft Voyager, designed by Rutan, made the world's first non-stop round-the-world flight without refuelling from here. Parallel to this, the airport gained fame as one of the world's largest "aircraft graveyards," where hundreds of decommissioned airliners are stored and dismantled.

A real breakthrough into space occurred in 2004. On June 21, the suborbital ship SpaceShipOne, created by the same company Scaled Composites, made the first private manned space flight in history, launching from Mojave. This and subsequent flights brought the team the prestigious Ansari X Prize of 10 million dollars. Soon after this momentous event, the airport received a licence from the Federal Aviation Administration and the official name—Mojave Air and Space Port, becoming the first facility of its kind in the country located inland.

Today, Mojave Spaceport remains a key centre for advanced aerospace research and development. Companies such as Virgin Galactic and Stratolaunch Systems are based and conduct tests here. The unique desert landscapes and impressive accumulation of aircraft of all shapes and sizes have also made this place a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, commercials, and music videos. Visiting Mojave is an opportunity to touch the living history of aviation and the future of private astronautics.

When planning a visit to Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV), it is important to understand its unique status. It is not a traditional commercial airport with scheduled passenger flights, but an active centre for aerospace testing, a spaceport, and a base for private and business aviation. Therefore, the range of services here differs from what can be found in major passenger hubs.

The famous Voyager Restaurant operates on the spaceport territory, popular among pilots and employees as well as tourists coming to see this iconic place. However, you will not find the zones with numerous restaurants, food courts, or duty-free shops typical of large airports here. The main infrastructure is oriented towards technical and business needs.

Standard passenger terminal amenities such as VIP lounges, currency exchange points, bank branches, and specialised mother and child rooms are absent at Mojave Spaceport. Free Wi-Fi may be available in the terminal building or the restaurant, but widespread coverage is not guaranteed. Charging stations for electronics may also be limited.

For passengers with reduced mobility, a basic level of accessibility is ensured in accordance with legal standards, however, specialised escort services, as in large airports, are not provided. Medical assistance on the territory is oriented towards emergency response within the framework of operational activities, rather than passenger service.

There are no hotels directly on the spaceport territory. The nearest accommodation options, from budget motels to more comfortable hotels, are located in the neighbouring city of Mojave, just a few minutes' drive away. Business travellers should note that public conference halls or business centres for rent are also not provided here, as all facilities serve the needs of tenants and partners of the spaceport.

When planning a visit to Mojave Spaceport, it is important to remember that this is not an ordinary passenger airport with dozens of cafes and restaurants. The dining infrastructure here corresponds to its unique status as an active aviation and space centre. However, you will not go hungry—there is one, but truly iconic place here, which is an attraction in itself.

The main and practically the only place for a full meal is the Voyager Restaurant. This is an establishment with a rich history, where pilots, engineers, spaceport employees, and aviation enthusiasts gather. The atmosphere here is unique. The menu offers American classics: hearty burgers, sandwiches, salads, and traditional breakfasts served throughout the day. This is an excellent choice for those who want not just to eat, but to feel the spirit of this legendary place.

The Voyager Restaurant is located in the main airport building, in the public zone (landside), so you do not need to pass security control to visit it. Prices here are quite moderate, consistent with a classic American diner. As a rule, the restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, but operating hours may change, so it is recommended to check them on the official website or by phone before visiting.

Regarding special dietary requests, you are unlikely to find separate sections for vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes on the menu of this small restaurant. However, the staff usually accommodates guests, and you can ask for a simple dish to be prepared for you, for example, a salad without meat or an omelette. For a quick snack, especially if you arrive outside the restaurant's operating hours, the choice is extremely limited and may be confined to vending machines with drinks and snacks, if available.

Thus, for a full meal in an authentic atmosphere, head boldly to the Voyager Restaurant. If you only need a quick snack, it is better to stock up in advance, as opportunities for this within the spaceport itself are quite modest.

When planning a trip through Mojave Air and Space Port, it is important to understand that this is not an ordinary passenger airport. It is a unique facility in the USA, specialising in flight tests, space launches, and aircraft storage. Passenger transport here is generally limited to charter, private, or special flights. Therefore, standard travel tips require some adjustment.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Forget the "arrive 2-3 hours early" rule. The arrival time and check-in process will depend entirely on the instructions you receive from your charter company, event organiser, or flight school. Contact them in advance to clarify all details. The process will likely be more personalised and faster than at a large airport.

Security Control: Despite the specific nature of the airport, all flights are subject to security rules. You will still have to undergo screening. However, unlike large hubs, there are no huge queues here, making the process significantly faster and calmer.

Seat Selection: Since flights from Mojave are often operated on small aircraft, seat selection may have its own peculiarities. Window seats will offer you unforgettable views of the Mojave Desert. If it is a propeller plane, try to choose a seat further away from the propellers to reduce noise levels.

Hand Luggage: Standard US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules apply here as well. Liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag (3-1-1 rule). Sharp objects, weapons, and other dangerous substances are prohibited. Important: small aircraft may have stricter restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage than commercial airliners. Clarify this with your carrier.

Transfers and Customs Control: Mojave Spaceport is not a hub for connecting flights and does not serve scheduled international passenger traffic. Therefore, there are no transit zones or standard customs control procedures for mass tourist flows here. Any international arrivals or departures are specialised and organised privately.

Saving Time and Money: The main way to save is to plan ground logistics in advance. Public transport in this area is poorly developed, so renting a car is the best option for getting around. It is also worth booking accommodation in Mojave or neighbouring cities well in advance, especially if your trip coincides with any aviation or space event.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your departure is delayed, maintain direct contact with the representative of your charter company or the pilot. There are no service counters for major airlines here, so all issues are resolved directly with the operator of your flight.