An artist impression of Spaceport America, under construction in New Mexico. Sub-orbital flights could lift off in just two years time. Photo: Vyonyx Ltd
The world’s first commercial spaceport, which will serve as the headquarters for Virgin Galactic’s space flights, is nearing completion, with the majority of phase 1 construction work now complete.
‘Spaceport America’ is being built on an 18,000 acre site in the desolate sand plains of New Mexico, 45 miles of Las Cruces.
It is anticipated that final work will be complete in 2013 – when the spaceport is expected to fly the first commercial space passengers.
Its nearly two-mile long, 200-foot wide runway-or “spaceway” is already complete, while the space-age looking terminal hangar is almost ready.
UK-based Foster & Partners were chosen to build Spaceport America, after winning an international design competition. Photo source: Foster & Partners
The US$209 million project also includes a hangar for Virgin Galactic’s mothership and spaceship (White Knight 2 and Space Ship 2), which are still going through testing.
Virgin is already taking reservations for its two-hour flights into sub-orbital space, for a price tag of US$200,000 (£125,000).
After being launched 10 miles into space, thrill-seekers will experience about five minutes of weightlessness and look at the curvature of the earth.
Visitors will be able to watch the spaceships from the sidelines, from an on-site visitor centre that will be built as part of Phase 2 construction work.
‘Welcome centers’ geared up for tourists will also be set up in neighbouring towns.
The State of New Mexico, which has poured investment into Spaceport America– is counting on the space tourism industry to be a major economic driver in future.
