Work on Spaceport America Progressing Nicely

An artist's conception of a Virgin Galactic flight above Spaceport America in New Mexico

Spaceport begins work on Virgin Galactic hangar
Las Cruces Bulletin

Virgin Galactic will be the anchor tenant at Spaceport America, and the Terminal Hangar Facility is being built for its operations. Landeene said the foundation for the facility’s steel towers has been laid and the building is on track to be turned over to Virgin Galactic by early 2011.

Meanwhile, Landeene said work continues to progress rapidly on the 10,000foot runway, which will primarily be used for the Virgin Galactic take-offs and landings. But the sturdy asphalt and concrete runway can handle any kind of aircraft and Landeene said he can foresee its use for specially modified 727s to take people on zero-gravity simulated flights.

Landeene also noted progress on other work at the $198 million spaceport in the desert between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, including the spaceport’s fuel storage facility, wastewater treatment system, water access and other utilities, such as electricity. Though the spaceport is tapping traditional electricity, Landeene said the goal is to generate all of the spaceport’s energy needs at the site through renewable energy technologies.

With 12 of the 14 major project contracts awarded, “we are about a year away from having a full spaceport ready for business,” he said.

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