Can a Forgotten Caribbean Town Become a Spaceport?

The Dominican Republic's plan to build a commercial spaceport in the small town of Oviedo is about far more than rockets. Launch on Demand founder Burton Catledge says the project could create thousands of jobs, attract new investment, and help diversify the country beyond tourism. Supporters envision a new hub for aerospace, technology, and education, while local residents hope the project can bring opportunities to a region that has long felt overlooked. But before launches begin, developers must build the infrastructure, workforce, and regulatory framework needed to support an entirely new industry. For many in Oviedo, the spaceport represents a chance to put their town, and perhaps the country itself, on the map.