Business Model Goes Beyond Tourism

Officials from the New Mexico Spaceport Authority have scheduled a formal ground breaking ceremony of Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport, for Friday, June 19. Governor Bill Richardson and other VIP's will be on hand to begin work on the site in the New Mexico desert, which they hope will be open for business next year.

"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 ground breaking enjoyable and memorable for all in attendance.

According to The Washington Post, Spaceport America got a rocket-like boost when voters in Sierra County, which will be home to the spaceport, joined adjacent Dona Ana county in approving a sales tax increase to help fund the venture. The project must still clear environmental hurdles, and Virgin Galactic's SpaceShip Two has yet to be approved as spaceworthy, but 275 potential spece travelers have already paid a total of more than $35 million for the privilege of a ride to the fringe of space.

New Mexico isn't the only state with space in it's business plan.  Florida, Virginia, Alaska, Oklahoma, and California all have expressed an interest in a commercial spaceport. But New Mexico has Virgin Galactic, which is negotiating a long-term lease at the facility just outside Truth or Consequences for it's world headquarters.

The business model goes beyond space tourism, though. Steven Landeene, told the Post "Space tourism is the first phase, along with the commercial launching of satellites and spacecraft that can carry cargo and even astronauts to the international space station and maybe later the moon. But it's possible to begin thinking about a point-to-point network where passengers can rocket from one place to another at speeds much faster than today."

FMI: www.spaceportamerica.com