Construction to begin!

Spaceport American finally has a contractor scheduled to begin construction on the actual facility. Read all about it:

http://www.spaceportamerica.com

Cut rate ride

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/02/space-ride-tickets.html

Joint Venture -

ROCKET RACING, INC., ARMADILLO AEROSPACE CREATE JOINT VENTURE FOR SPACE TRAVEL AT SPACEPORT AMERICA
LAS CRUCES, NM – A new joint venture announced between Rocket Racing, Inc., and
Armadillo Aerospace has a goal of making private space flight more affordable than ever, and
doing it from New Mexico’s Spaceport America. The companies plan to build a fleet of
reusable Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles that will give passengers a 360-
degree view of weightless flight for a target price of $100,000 or less. The companies plan to
fly an initial manned prototype in 2009, with manned flights to space in 2010.

The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) is pleased that the companies intend to use
Spaceport America as their base of operations with manufacturing and office headquarters at
the Las Cruces, NM airport. “The dream of private spaceflight is growing closer to reality
every day,” said NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene, “And this joint venture between
two established companies that have helped pioneer commercial spaceflight means that the
future is quickly approaching.” There have been several commercial launches for various
clients from the site of Spaceport America since April 2007, and roadwork to the site is well
underway. The architectural firm of URS Foster + Partners have created a design for the
hangar and terminal facility, and the site layout and design are essentially done.

Under the terms of the agreement, Armadillo Aerospace will develop the reusable launch
vehicle and provide support on the ground. Rocket Racing Technology Development, a
separate subsidiary of Rocket Racing, Inc., will provide business and operational management
for the venture, as well as financing for initial research and development. Granger Whitelaw,
CEO of Rocket Racing, Inc., said that, “The price of space is coming down to earth… Human
beings will be treated to the most stellar views in the galaxy.”

Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future and has been
working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Lockheed Martin, UP Aerospace,
Virgin Galactic, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties. With planning moving
along rapidly, the NMSA currently projects that licensed vertical launches should begin in
the first quarter of 2009 and that the terminal and hangar facility for horizontal launches
should be completed by 2010.

White Knight revealed

Sir Richard Branson shown holding a model of the new spacecraft "White Knight".

Here is the link to the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25849434/

Spaceport America slowly emerging

Bids are currently being accepted and will be opened on July 18, with the winning “bidee” to start initial work on that piece of infrastructure on or around September 2008 - depending on weather and other factors.

Once that improved road — now a distinct but dusty and winding trail — is completed, construction of the spaceport can move forward more swiftly. The project will involve improving the road and applying a temporary chip and seal road surface. The hope is to have that work completed by year’s end.

According to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, the current projection for completion of Spaceport America’s terminal and hangar facility should be wrapped up by 2010.

Keeping an eye on all of this are early adopters of Spaceport America’s promise as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial space facility: Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, as well as Up Aerospace.

Bigelow Aerospace groovin!

Bigelow Aerospace is taking a stepping-stone approach to the development of its space modules. Next in line is the larger Galaxy module the company plans to launch in the latter part of 2008. The entrepreneurial firm's habitat plans then lead to Sundancer -- a module that will provide 180 cubic meters of habitable space and come fully equipped with life-support systems, attitude control, on-orbit maneuverability, as well as reboost and deorbit capability. This larger module -- sporting a trio of windows -- could support a three-person crew and be on orbit in the second half of 2010, Bigelow said.

ITAR issues

Waiting for Otero County!

Actually, we are waiting for the voters from Otero County to decide if they want to support this Spaceport or no. In the meantime, we are anxiously awaiting FAA Approval which is taking longer than anticipated.

Sierra County is on board!

The voters in Sierra County have approved the Spaceport Tax so now it's a go, just waiting for FAA Approval. The work continues on the infrastructure at the site. I believe completion will be late 2009 or Spring 2010.

Rocket Racing League

How about some fun pics of Rocket Planes! As of January 14th, 2008, The Rocket Racing League (planes powered by rockets), are building three large hangers adjacent to the Las Cruces Airport on land they own. Each year the final competition is held in Las Cruces, NM.

Nascar, eat your heart out!!!!!!

Spring is here!

My Iris's are blooming and my neighbor's tulips are blooming, so it must be Spring.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Bigelow - orbiting earth!

Bigelow's Genesis II orbiting space. It is inflatable, it can haul people and or objects and it is revolutionary.

http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/

2008 - Year of the Spaceship

Virgin Galactic Unveils Suborbital Spaceliner Design By Tariq Malik.

Burt Rutan and his crew have unveiled a new spaceship for space adventures. Branson and Virgin Galactic have pictures of this new spaceship on their website. Check it out @

http://www.space.com/news/080123-virgingalactic-ss2-design.html

Spaceport America has a new director.

LAS CRUCES, NM –

The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) Board has announced the hiring of Steven Landeene as the new Executive Director for Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Landeene will fill the position left vacant by Rick Homans. The announcement came from Kelly O’Donnell, Chair of the NMSA, who said that Landeene will assume his responsibilities on January 7, 2008, as the Spaceport continues to meet key development benchmarks.
“Steven Landeene’s credentials speak for themselves,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “His years of experience in engineering and business will be beneficial to marketing the aerospace industry and more importantly, to this critical stage for Spaceport America.”
Landeene has extensive experience in aerospace-related fields, including 20 years with Honeywell Aerospace and three years with Landmark Aviation. As the Director of Aftermarket Services Marketing, Sales and Support at Honeywell International, Inc., Landeene served as the global marketing and sales support leader for the company’s aftermarket services.
Most recently, Landeene served as the Director of Strategy and Planning for Sales & Marketing of Landmark Aviation out of Phoenix, Arizona. Landeene holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Business Administration from Arizona State University.
Landeene’s selection comes following an intensive, months-long national search for a new Executive Director.