William Atkins
Saturday, 20 December 2008 20:44
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 3
Besides Virgin Galactic, the Spaceport America facility is also scheduled to be the home base for the annual
X Prize Cup, which is a competition for companies trying to provide suborbital spaceflights to the paying public.
Spaceport America is located near Upham, New Mexico, within the southern portion of Sierra County. It is about 72 kilometers (45 miles) north of Las Cruces, New Mexico; around 48 kilometers (30 miles) east of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and near the outskirts of the White Sands Missile Range.
The executive director of Spaceport America, Steven Landeene, stated,
“These two governmental approvals are the next steps along the road to a fully operational commercial spaceport. We are on track to begin construction in the first quarter of 2009, and have our facility completed as quickly as possible." [MSNBC: “
New Mexico spaceport wins license”]
Landeene stated that the FAA license is very important in order to begin construction of the facility so that it can become fully operational in late 2009 or early 2010.
The final design plans for the terminal and hangers are nearly completed by architectural company URS/Foster and Partners.
Construction bids for roads, a runway, and security buildings are expected in January 2009, and bids for the terminal and hanger should go out in the spring of 2009.
Landeene added,
“It's a great day for New Mexico and a great day for the nation because a premier launch site has been formally inaugurated into the system.” [KFOX14: “
Spaceport America Gets License And Decision Of Environmental Impact”]
Page three concludes.
