UP Aerospace Will Begin Suborbital Flights Next Year

The spaceport isn't built yet, but already, it has a launch contract.

Up Aerospace, based in Unionville, CT, says it will launch its inaugural flight March 26th. Even though the spaceport is still awaiting a launch permit from the FAA, New Mexico state officials say the facility, near Las Cruces, can conduct limited launch activities without it.

"This is a milestone event in the history of aerospace," said Eric Knight, chief executive officer of UP Aerospace, quoted by the Las Cruces Sun-News. "For the first time in all of space flight, a facility is now available for regularly scheduled, private space launches. Thanks to the vision of the state of New Mexico, as well as the aerospace capabilities provided by our company, the 'final frontier' is now open to everyone."

UP Aerospace says its rockets can carry payloads of up to 110 lbs. to an altitude of approximately 100 miles. The first UP Aerospace launch of its SpaceLoft rocket will carry seven experiments on a suborbital flight. The company says it will land "in a downrange area" off the spaceport proper.

"New aerospace technologies can now be tested and evaluated quickly at very low cost," said Jerry Larson, president of UP Aerospace. "And for scientists studying the earth and celestial phenomena, we provide a remarkable in-space vantage point."

The launch was to be formally announced at a Santa Fe news conference by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

FMI: www.upaerospace.com