DENVER (AP) – Republicans and Democrats representing Colorado in Congress are endorsing the state’s request to be designated as a site for a spaceport.

The designation would allow commercial space launches from the state.

The five Democrats and four Republicans on Monday released a letter they sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, which would decide on the designation.

The letter says Colorado’s aerospace and technology industries, educated workforce and universities make the state a good choice.

State officials formally asked for the designation in December.

Front Range Airport, six miles from Denver International Airport, has been identified as a potential site for a Colorado spaceport.

Alaska, California, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia are designated spaceport states.

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