Loring Commerce Centre

An estimated $50 million to $75 million in public money is needed develop a public airport at the Cold War-era Air Force base in Limestone.

HyperSpace Propulsion Inc., in negotiations with Green for Maine LLC, is developing spaceplanes capable of flying passengers to any destination on Earth in under two hours.

Washington, D.C.-based DG Fuels LLC said up to 650 jobs could be created. Groundbreaking is planned for summer 2024, with a 2027 opening.

Northern Maine’s economic viability has always had a vulnerable side. The Eastern Maine Development Corp.’s new plan for Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Waldo counties has taken on added importance.

The federal grant to the Maine Space Grant Consortium, with matching local money, will support developing a strategic plan for the Maine Spaceport Complex, just as bluShift Aerospace plans its first rocket launch on Oct. 21 in Presque Isle.

The Maine Space Grant Consortium is looking at the growing global nanosatellite market as an opportunity for Maine interests.

After completing its work to fulfill a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Maine Military Authority has laid off 54 employees. The state-operated military authority is shutting down operations — at least for now.

Limestone's Loring Commerce Centre, with 8,700 acres and hundreds of buildings, is Maine's largest industrial park. It's home to 28 employers and over 800 workers — yet it has substantial room for more business development in existing buildings and developable sites.

Sitel, a call center that employs about 200 people, is moving its operations to Caribou after working...