William Atkins
Sunday, 21 June 2009 19:21
Science -
Space
Page 1 of 2
In New Mexico, the world’s first facility, which will be used exclusively to send paying customers into space, has broken ground in the remote desert. While the project is expensive, the costs of each space trip are still quite pricey, too!
According to the Friday, June 19, 2009 Reuters article
New Mexico breaks ground on commercial spaceport,
“New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson broke ground on Friday on construction of Spaceport America, the world's first facility built specifically for space-bound commercial customers and fee-paying passengers.”
The project’s cost is estimated to be $198 million for the New Mexico state government (state supported: New Mexico citizens are paying for it).
Richardson stated,
"After all of the hard work to get this project off the ground, it is gratifying to see Spaceport America finally become a reality. This groundbreaking ceremony is an important step toward our goal of being at the forefront of a vibrant new, commercial space industry."
The Web site of
Spaceport America states,
“The next chapter in space transportation is being written right now in the State of New Mexico. Forward-thinking pioneers are developing both vertical and horizontal launch vehicles using the power of free-market enterprise.”
And,
“As the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, Spaceport America is designed with the needs of the commercial space business in mind. Unique geographic benefits, striking iconic design, and the tradition of New Mexico space leadership are coming together to create a new way to travel into space. When it comes to outer space, New Mexico is bringing it down to earth!”
The site of Spaceport America is near the town of Truth or Consequences (named after the former TV game show), situated on a remote desert range. It is also located north of the Las Cruces, New Mexico, in the southern part of the state.
Page two contains more information on the construction process, along with a YouTube video talking about the groundbreaking event.
