Mojave Air & Space Port: The Supersonic Connection

While it may not be as well-known as nearby Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave has played a key role in shaping aviation and space exploration.

From record-setting spacecraft to cutting-edge supersonic jets, Mojave has been at the center of some of the most ambitious civilian advancements in aerospace. Boom’s XB-1 demonstrator now proudly joins that legacy.

A testing ground for aviation innovation

Located roughly halfway between Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, Mojave Air & Space Port was once Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station (MCAAS) Mojave and later Naval Air Station Mojave. It began as a couple of dirt runways in 1935 and was transformed for service during World War II and the Korean War.

Since 1972, Mojave has served the private aerospace industry when it transitioned from a Marine Corps auxiliary air station to a civilian test facility. Its remote location, wide-open skies, and proximity to restricted military airspace make it especially well-suited for experimental and high-speed flight testing.

Mojave is sometimes confused with military installations nearby, including Edwards Air Force Base and China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. But, while they focus on government and defense projects, Mojave is a commercial site where private aerospace companies can develop, test, and refine experimental aircraft and spaceflight technology without the restrictions of a government-run facility.

For decades, Mojave has been home to groundbreaking aerospace projects, including SpaceShipOne and Stratolaunch.

In 2004, SpaceShipOne became the first privately developed spacecraft to reach space, proving commercial spaceflight was possible. More recently, Stratolaunch, the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, was designed and first flown at Mojave. Mojave has also been a center for testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and developing non-traditional aircraft.

Why Mojave for supersonic flight testing?

Boom’s decision to test XB-1 at Mojave came down to three key factors: controlled airspace, specialized infrastructure, and access to aviation expertise.

Access to the supersonic corridor

Currently, supersonic flight over land is tightly regulated, but Mojave provides direct access to a dedicated supersonic corridor, where aircraft can legally exceed Mach 1.

The Bell X-1 Corridor has hosted historic supersonic flights for decades, including early programs like the X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, and the X-15 rocket plane. It shares airspace with Edwards and China Lake, which are adjacent to Mojave.

Today, Mojave allows companies like Boom to conduct high-speed flight testing in a controlled, approved airspace while coordinating with air traffic control and military authorities.

Purpose-built infrastructure for experimental aircraft

Mojave Air & Space Port is specifically designed to handle the demands of supersonic and experimental aircraft. At the heart of its infrastructure is Runway 12/30, a 12,500-foot runway that accommodates high-speed takeoffs and landings. 

Demonstrators and experimental aircraft require more space than conventional jets, especially in the early stages of testing, when performance data is still being gathered. The extended runway ensures pilots have room to operate safely under controlled conditions.

Beyond the runways, Mojave features specialized hangars built for aerospace research and development. These facilities provide secure, controlled environments for pre-flight inspections, post-flight maintenance, and modifications, which are crucial for test programs where adjustments are made between flights. Unlike commercial airports, where space is limited and operations prioritize scheduled airline traffic, Mojave’s hangars are designed for flexibility, allowing companies to work efficiently on prototype aircraft.

Flight testing also relies on real-time telemetry and tracking systems, which Mojave has in place to support supersonic research. Engineers use high-precision monitoring tools to track aircraft speed, altitude, structural performance, and engine efficiency in real time. This immediate access to flight data allows test teams to assess results quickly and make necessary adjustments, improving safety and efficiency throughout the testing process.

With its runway capacity, dedicated aerospace hangars, and advanced flight tracking, Mojave provides a well-equipped, controlled environment for testing supersonic technology.

A community of flight test experts

Mojave isn’t just a facility, it’s a hub of aerospace expertise. The site is home to organizations and professionals specializing in experimental aviation, test piloting, and aircraft development.
One of its key institutions is the National Test Pilot School (NTPS), the only civilian test pilot school in the United States. NTPS provides specialized training for pilots and flight engineers, many of whom go on to work in experimental aircraft programs. The school’s presence at Mojave adds a deep well of knowledge in high-performance aircraft operations.

In addition to NTPS, several pioneering aerospace companies are based or have a large presence at Mojave, including Scaled Composites, Virgin Galactic, Stratolaunch, Masten Space Systems, and Rotor X. These companies develop and test a range of advanced aircraft, from suborbital spaceplanes to high-altitude launch platforms. Their presence creates a collaborative environment where engineers and test pilots share knowledge, refine techniques, and contribute to broader advancements in aerospace technology.

Mojave’s long history in flight testing has also fostered strong relationships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA, making regulatory approval processes smoother and more efficient. For companies like Boom, working in a location familiar with supersonic research and regulatory compliance simplified the logistics of flight testing.

Beyond supersonic: other endeavors at Mojave

Mojave supports a variety of aviation-related industries beyond experimental flight testing.

• The National Test Pilot School continues to train the next generation of test pilots and aerospace engineers, bringing together U.S. pilots and pilots from allied nations, including Australia and India.
• The Mojave aircraft storage facility (boneyard) serves as a holding area for retired commercial aircraft, many of which are stored, salvaged for parts, or prepared for resale.
• Film and television productions frequently use Mojave for aviation-related scenes due to its open spaces and access to unique aircraft.

Mojave’s role in future supersonic development

With its final test flights complete, Boom has wrapped up the XB-1 flight test program at Mojave and brought the data and insights from XB-1 back to Denver.

With its rich legacy and specialized infrastructure, Mojave remains a key location for testing advanced aerospace systems. Boom is proud to be a part of the long history of innovation that has taken flight from Mojave.