Spaceport America to Officially Break Ground June 19

Artist Impression of Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipOne over Spaceport America in New Mexico.

SPACEPORT AMERICA PRESS RELEASE

Officials from the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) have scheduled a formal groundbreaking ceremony of Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, for Friday, June 19. Event organizers plan on inviting key dignitaries and officials, and will announce additional details on planned events shortly.

“The realization of Spaceport America is upon us. New Mexico has been working towards this end for decades,” said NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene. “When we turn that first shovel of soil, we will be breaking ground on a whole new future for the people of New Mexico and their children. This is a significant step in the history and future of spaceflight.” Landeene’s staff is working to develop a schedule of events and activities to make the groundbreaking enjoyable and memorable for all in attendance.

Gerald Martin Construction Management of Albuquerque, NM, will be managing the construction of the spaceport project. The first two on-site construction packages were released for bid on May 7. These Invitation to Bid Packages include the site enabling works and the airfield. The enabling works package will prepare the site for construction. Contractors registered with the State Purchasing offic can view current Invitation to Bids online in the RFP section of www.spaceportamerica.com.

Road and bridge work on County Road A013 from Engle to the spaceport started last September and is scheduled for completion this month with final paving and chip-and-seal currently underway.

Spaceport America, which hosted an education launch on May 2, continues to develop commercial space business in the state of New Mexico. Spaceport America has been working with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, UP Aerospace, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties.