Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony is positioning the Silver State to become a destination for space tourism, pointing to entrepreneur Elon Musk's existing business footprint in Nevada as a potential foundation for commercial space ventures.
Anthony discussed his vision during an interview with Fox News Digital at FreedomFest in Las Vegas, highlighting Nevada's transformation into what he called "the sports capital of the world" over the past decade and suggesting space tourism could be the next frontier for the state's tourism economy.
"One thing that is of interest is space tourism," Anthony said. "I think that might be a future here in Nevada because we have a lot of open land where somebody like Elon Musk can shoot rockets up into outer space, hang out up there for a while, have some drinks."
Musk's SpaceX has maintained operations in Nevada, including testing facilities and partnerships with state agencies. The company has conducted launches from other sites but has expressed interest in expanding its operational footprint.
"The thing about Las Vegas is anything can happen here, so it's really not up to me as a lieutenant governor to decide what's the next big thing in tourism," Anthony added. "It's the private sector that needs to do it."
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics of the space tourism proposal argue that Nevada should focus on more immediate economic concerns facing residents before investing political capital in commercial space ventures.
"Nevadans are dealing with housing costs, healthcare affordability, and infrastructure needs right now," said Jessica Torres, a Democratic strategist based in Reno. "While space tourism sounds futuristic, we need to ensure everyday families can afford to live here first."
Environmental advocates have raised concerns about the potential ecological impact of increased rocket launches on Nevada's desert landscapes. The state is home to ecologically sensitive areas including the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and several designated wilderness zones.
"Any expansion of launch facilities needs rigorous environmental review," said Maria Chen, western regional director for the Conservation Fund. "We need to understand the cumulative impact on wildlife, air quality, and public lands before we talk about turning Nevada into a launchpad."
Some Democratic legislators have also questioned whether tax incentives or regulatory accommodations made to attract space tourism companies would primarily benefit wealthy out-of-state investors rather than Nevada workers.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative supporters say Anthony's vision represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking economic development that distinguishes Nevada from other states.
"This is exactly what we should be doing," said Republican State Party Chair Michael McDonald. "Nevada has always been about innovation and opportunity. Lieutenant Governor Anthony understands that government should get out of the way and let entrepreneurs create the next big industry."
Business groups have welcomed the discussion, noting that Nevada's lack of state income tax and business-friendly regulatory environment could make it competitive with established space hubs like Florida and Texas.
"If we can attract companies like SpaceX to expand their Nevada presence, that's high-wage jobs and economic diversification," said Zach Hubbard, executive director of the Nevada Business Association. "This is how you build a 21st century economy."
Conservative commentators have praised Anthony for thinking beyond traditional industries. "While other states are fighting over yesterday's businesses, Nevada is looking at tomorrow's opportunities," wrote one editorial in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
What the Numbers Show
Nevada's tourism industry generated approximately $68 billion in economic impact in 2023, according to the Nevada Resort Association. The state welcomed nearly 57 million visitors last year.
Professional sports has become a significant driver of new tourism revenue. Since 2015, Nevada has attracted NHL hockey (Golden Knights), NFL football (Raiders relocated from Oakland), Formula One racing, and is pursuing NBA expansion franchise consideration. The Raiders alone are estimated to generate $450 million annually for the Las Vegas economy.
SpaceX currently operates launch facilities in Florida, Texas, California, and has been licensed by the FAA to conduct launches from private sites including Spaceport America in New Mexico, which is adjacent to Nevada's southern border. The company has not announced specific plans to establish a dedicated launch site in Nevada, though it holds certain permits for testing activities at facilities within the state.
The global space tourism market was valued at approximately $800 million in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly through 2030, according to industry analyses from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.
The Bottom Line
Anthony's comments reflect a broader effort by Nevada Republican leadership to position the state as a destination for emerging industries. With re-election battles approaching in 2026 and President Trump having endorsed the Lombardo-Anthony ticket, both officials are seeking economic narratives that differentiate their administration from previous Democratic governance.
Whether space tourism becomes reality depends on private sector investment decisions, regulatory approvals, and environmental reviews that extend well beyond state government control. Anthony himself acknowledged that the private sector must drive any such initiative, noting his role is to support rather than direct entrepreneurial development.
Critics argue the focus on futuristic industries distracts from bread-and-butter issues like housing affordability and public education funding that polls show rank highest among Nevada voters' concerns. Supporters counter that economic diversification is precisely what the state needs after decades of over-reliance on gaming revenue.
What happens next: SpaceX has not announced any new Nevada-specific projects, and major launch facility development would require years of permitting and construction. The proposal remains aspirational rather than imminent policy.