A spaceport or cosmodrome (Russian: Космодро́м , kosmodrom) is a site for launching (or receiving) spacecraft, by analogy with seaport for ships or airport for aircraft. The word spaceport, and even more so cosmodrome, has traditionally been used for sites that are capable of launching spacecraft into orbit around Earth or on interplanetary trajectories. However, rocket launch sites for purely sub-orbital flights are sometimes called spaceports, as in recent years new and proposed sites for suborbital human flights have been frequently referred to or named 'spaceports'. Space stations and proposed future bases on the moon are sometimes called spaceports, in particular if intended as a base for further journeys.
The term rocket launch site is used for any facility from which rockets are launched. It may contain one or more launch pads or suitable sites to mount a transportable launch pad. It is typically surrounded by a large safety area, often called a rocket range or missile range. The range includes the area over which launched rockets are expected to fly, and within which some components of the rockets may land. Tracking stations are sometimes located in the range to assess the progress of the launches.
Coordinates: 53°24′32″N 3°01′01″W / 53.409°N 3.017°W / 53.409; -3.017 Spaceport is a tourist attraction in Seacombe, Wallasey, Merseyside, North West England. The attraction's main topic of interest is space and space travel suited to visitors aged 7 or older. Visitors learn about space as they walk through different themed galleries, which all have a variety of interactive and audio-visual exhibits.
Spaceport was opened on 26 July 2005 by Merseytravel Chairman Mark Dowd.
A visit to the centre takes about two hours, which includes half an hour spent in the Spacedome planetarium. This section of the attraction is on the ground floor at the back of the building.
Spaceport is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am till 6pm.
Visitors to Spaceport also have the opportunity to enjoy a River Explorer Cruise on one of the Mersey Ferries. Ferries leave the Liverpool Pier Head, Woodside and Seacombe terminals at frequent intervals.