Video: Richard Branson Arrives at Spaceport America

Sir Richard Branson, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin and other officials arrive at Spaceport America for the runway dedication on Oct. 22.

If you want a demonstration of the tectonic shifts occurring in the U.S. space program, note that NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver is part of the “Welcoming Committee” that is walking out to greet a British billionaire and a governor who teamed to create a private commercial spaceport in a state largely known for its military space efforts. NASA is going to the private sector — and the nexus of space is shifting away from Washington toward previously obscure places like Upham, Mojave and Rockwall. If the trend continues, the space program will change almost beyond recognition within 10 years.