Lompoc Council Gives Space Base California Two More Years to Secure Financing
The City Council voted 4-1 to extend the deadline for Pale Blue Dot Ventures to meet milestones for its proposed $150-million space attraction on 82 acres including Ken Adam Park.
The Lompoc City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday night to grant a two-year extension to Pale Blue Dot Ventures, the company working to build a $150-million space-themed attraction called Space Base California. The extension gives the organization more time to meet key milestones, including securing financing for the project.
Mayor Jim Mosby proposed the two-year timeline, saying a shorter extension could make it harder to attract investors. Councilmember Jeremy Ball cast the lone no vote, saying he supports the project but wants to see progress on fundraising. Ball noted that Pale Blue Dot has raised $2 million so far, with about $500,000 coming in the past two years, and is targeting $5 million to complement project approvals.
What the Project Would Include
Space Base California would be built on 82 acres including Ken Adam Park. The for-profit development would feature a business park, a 75-room hotel, theaters, camp programs, rides, and other space-focused attractions. Founder Steven Franck said the project needs to open strong to build its brand, comparing the ambition to the Sphere in Las Vegas.
This is the second extension since the council approved a long-term ground lease and operating agreement in 2024. Pale Blue Dot is working to complete a 300- to 400-page project description for environmental review, which Franck said is about 75% done. The company has been using an investment bank and other methods to connect with potential investors, sending out teasers to 80 to 100 prospects and receiving interest from 30.
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Facts via Noozhawk. Image: Lompoc City Fire Department.
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