Unlocking the Future: Inside Colorado’s Air and Spaceport – CASP

Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences. I’m your host, Susan Wise. It’s a pleasure to have with us Jeff Kloska, Director of the Colorado Air and Spaceport. Hi, and welcome.

Jeff Kloska: Thank you so much, Susan. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Susan Wise: Well, looking at your title—Colorado Air and Spaceport—seems to me like an airport, but for space. Is that right?

Jeff Kloska: Correct. Yes. We’re a licensed general aviation airport and a reliever airport for the Denver region. We have over 500 based aircraft and more than 120,000 operations a year. So, we’re a very busy general aviation airport as well as a licensed horizontal-launch spaceport for suborbital spaceflight.

Susan Wise: Okay, so horizontal launch—I like that.

Jeff Kloska: Correct. Since we’re so close to Denver International, we can’t do vertical launches here—that would interfere with one of the busiest airspaces in the world. But we definitely have our vision set on the future of horizontal launch and the commercial space industry.

Susan Wise: I like that you say you’re actually located one mile closer to space, being in the Mile High City.

Jeff Kloska: That’s correct. A little shtick we like to use.

Susan Wise: So, what are you currently working on to further the space industry?

Jeff Kloska: Sure. As many listeners know, Colorado—especially the Denver area—is one of the nation’s leaders in aerospace jobs per capita. We have a highly educated, high-tech workforce, and universities like CU Boulder with world-renowned aerospace programs. Many graduates go on to work for aerospace companies or even start their own.

That’s part of why Adams County pursued a horizontal launch license—to leverage and support this existing aerospace community. Our vision is not only to continue growing as a general aviation airport but also to advance the aerospace industry within Colorado. That means not just launches but also facilities for payload processing, mission control centers, and other infrastructure that supports space operations.

Susan Wise: It is the future—it’s what’s happening.

Jeff Kloska: Exactly. Commercial space is a rapidly growing industry. Companies like SpaceX are leading the way with reusability, and others are exploring satellite refueling in orbit, which could dramatically extend satellite lifespans and save huge amounts of money. Right now, the name of the game is sustainability and reusability, and we’re seeing major advancements.

Susan Wise: Would this also include companies doing drone deliveries or similar technologies?

Jeff Kloska: Potentially, yes. Disruptive technologies like drones, UAVs, and electric air taxis (eVTOLs) are developing quickly. Facilities like ours could host manufacturing or even serve as locations where passengers board and exit air taxis. Larger airports are also watching these technologies closely, since they’ll be key hubs for that activity.

Susan Wise: Have you had an “aha” moment you’d like to share?

Jeff Kloska: Absolutely. When I took on this role, I came from a traditional aviation background, managing airports in Colorado and Texas. I thought aerospace was reserved for rocket scientists or people with PhDs. My aha moment was realizing you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to contribute.

There are so many supporting roles—whether it’s welding, 3D printing, composites manufacturing, or even business and operations. Aerospace needs all kinds of expertise, not just engineers. That’s something I like to share with students considering aerospace careers.

Susan Wise: Like me—I can be a podcast host without being a scientist.

Jeff Kloska: Exactly. Or a marketing expert with a podcast.

Susan Wise: So, Jeff, what has been your biggest challenge during this time, and how did you overcome it?

Jeff Kloska: The biggest challenge has been transitioning from traditional aviation into the aerospace world. It’s a whole different industry with its own players, technologies, and needs. I had to learn quickly and make sure we positioned the Colorado Air and Spaceport realistically—focusing on what makes sense for our location and resources. Right now, I’m essentially wearing two hats: airport director and spaceport director.

Susan Wise: My family is in aviation—they sell airplane parts. I grew up counting nuts and bolts and learning all the paperwork. There’s a lot involved.

Jeff Kloska: Exactly—and it’s an exciting time with how quickly things are progressing.

Susan Wise: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with our listeners?

Jeff Kloska: I’d say this: we’re both an airport and a spaceport. We don’t put all our eggs in one basket. We want a diverse user base—supporting Denver’s aviation needs while also advancing aerospace. Public awareness is key too, so we work closely with state and federal leaders to highlight our capabilities and role as an economic engine.

There are 14 licensed spaceports across the U.S., most of them horizontal-launch facilities. As demand for launches grows, we’ll see more facilities nationwide. Assured access to space is vital—not just for commercial growth but also for national security.

Susan Wise: And you’re ready.

Jeff Kloska: Yes, and on the commercial side, innovation is happening at lightning speed. One area we’re especially interested in is suborbital, point-to-point travel. These aircraft take off like normal jets, switch to rocket or hypersonic engines for suborbital flight, then return to land like regular airplanes.

Susan Wise: That sounds futuristic—and amazing to see happening now.

Jeff Kloska: Within the next 10 to 20 years, I think we’ll see these operating commercially on a regular basis.

Susan Wise: That’s exciting. Before we wrap up, do you have a passion project, past or present, that you’d like to share?

Jeff Kloska: Yes. Right now we’re working with a group called Altitude X on a public-private partnership to help fund and develop the infrastructure we need for the future. Being county-owned, our funding can be limited, so private investment is key.

We’re assessing everything—power, water, fiber optics—so we’re ready for future aerospace growth, whether that involves eVTOLs, space operations, or other technologies.

Susan Wise: Well, it’s a very exciting time.

Jeff Kloska: Absolutely. Planning for the future now ensures we’ll be ready.

Susan Wise: I really enjoyed having you on the show today. This has been fascinating. Do you have a link where people can learn more?

Jeff Kloska: Yes—visit ColoradoAirandSpaceport.com. You’ll find information on aviation, aerospace, development opportunities, and upcoming events. We also host student groups, chamber events, and other community activities.

Susan Wise: Perfect. Jeff Kloska, Director of the Colorado Air and Spaceport—thank you so much for joining us on Launch Pod today.

Jeff Kloska: Thank you, Susan. It’s been a pleasure. I hope your listeners enjoyed the conversation.

Susan Wise: And if you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and subscribe. Until next time—keep looking up.

Jeff Kloska: Thanks a lot.