Moni's Blogger Home

Construction underway for Spaceport

2010-05-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

Space Elevator

2009-11-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/11/05/space.elevator/index.html

Two new visitor centers for Spaceport America.

2009-10-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Spaceport America is going to open up two visitor centers:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newmexico/ci_13565599

Commercializing space taking longer than predicted.

2009-10-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/10/commercializing-space-taking-longer-than-predicted/

Space Elevator Games

2009-08-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Elevator:2010 - The Space Elevator Challenge

Follow the games on the Space Elevator Games Offical Web Site

•We are practically there! This week marked the beginning of the home stretch - just a few more weeks till the games.
•The teams are ready, Dryden is ready, the helicopter operator is ready - we're sure you are ready too.
•(TBA), NASA Dryden Research Center.
•Follow us there!
www.SpaceElevatorGames.org
Climbing The Sky
The dream of a Space Elevator is a monumental one. A vision that will not only further space exploration and knowledge, but has the potential to shape the existential future of the human race for centuries to come.

For the first time since it was initially conceived, this dream is now within our reach.

With the Elevator:2010 challenge, the Spaceward Foundation has joined the on-going construction effort, adding energy, resources and new initiatives to the ever-growing number of organizations, companies, websites and enthusiasts focused on the technical, political and economic development of the Space Elevator.

Our goal is to generate enough interest in the project, so that within five years the Space Elevator basic building blocks can be demonstrated as feasible, and full-scale design and construction can begin.

And hence our name. Elevator:2010. we promise to get an answer for you by then.

Competition
Elevator:2010 is designed to address the "social engineering" of the Space Elevator. Taking our cue from the X-prize, solar car races, and various other competitive ventures, we use engineering competitions as a tool to capture mindshare in academia, space enthusiast community, and the general public. If we can have even 10 universities and 100 engineering students involved with the Space Elevator project each year, we'd have left our mark on the aerospace community.

In the days of airships, the advocates of planes devised a new way to promote their (obviously impractical...) inventions. It was called an "air show", and it had a dual purpose: First, these pioneers knew that they could explain airplanes all they wanted using equations and diagrams - it was not until they showed them flying that they really got their message across. Second, they recognized the power of competition - by bringing together airplane enthusiasts in a competitive environment, they were able to accelerate the rate of development beyond what was likely in the isolated confines of their shops.

Our goal is to infect the engineering and science community with our passion for building the Space Elevator, thus making them ambassadors to our cause. As the fruits of their efforts take to the sky every year, we will have demonstrated the feasibility and sheer simplicity of the Space Elevator concept, and will have brought it closer to reality.

Our prize money is provided by NASA's Centennial Challenges program - a total of $4,000,000 over the next 5 years! To maximize our return and reduce our risk, we distribute the money in slowly increasing increments, as we ratchet up the difficulty level of the challenges.

Successful launch!

2009-08-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

White Knight II

2009-07-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ground is broken for Spaceport America

2009-07-13T10:57:00.001-07:00

Monday, July 13, 2009

LAS CRUCES, NM – The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has selected two contractors to provide services for the construction of Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport that is now being built in southern New Mexico. After reviewing proposals from several contractors, the NMSA Board of Directors awarded construction of the airfield to David Montoya Construction, Inc. The board also awarded the Site Enabling contract to FNF New Mexico, LLC. The airfield for Spaceport America is a 10,000-foot runway designed to accommodate horizontal launch space and air operations that complement the existing vertical launch infrastructure. David Montoya Construction, Inc., of Alameda, NM, has provided construction services on many large-scale projects since being established in 1985. The company has provided similar concrete paving services for Albuquerque International Airport and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo. David Montoya Construction, Inc., is recognized by the Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the top 500 Hispanicowned businesses in the United States.

FNF New Mexico, LLC, of Albuquerque, NM, has extensive experience in large-scale construction projects including airports and highway construction. FNF will design and execute a plan to facilitate the construction of the spaceport. The activities include preparing the site for construction and coordination with all contractors for site security, dust control, and other crucial functions. Less than one month after the groundbreaking of Spaceport America, NMSA officials are excited by the current pace of development. "Spaceport America is fully underway, and we continue to make rapid progress," said Steve Landeene, Executive Director for the NMSA. "NMSA will continue to issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations to Bid (ITB) for more services and construction at the spaceport, and awarding contracts to the best qualified contractors." The latest RFP/ITB information can be found online at www.spaceportamerica.com

Gerald Martin Construction Management and HDR of Albuquerque, NM, were awarded a contract in 2008 to oversee the spaceport's construction phase for the NMSA. After marking the official groundbreaking ceremony for Spaceport America on Friday, June 19, officials are moving forward with the construction of the airfield. Spaceport America plans to have the 10,000-foot airfield complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.

Road nearly completed.

2009-06-06T18:46:00.001-07:00

06/06/2009 03:13 PM MDT
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES - Work is nearing completion on a $6.8 million roadway that leads to Spaceport America from Truth or Consequences, a state official saidt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344396587729148290" />.

Construction to begin!

2008-12-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T22:11:00.001-08:00

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

Joint Venture -

2008-11-22T19:02:00.001-08:00

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

2008-07-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-28T19:58:00.001-07:00
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!

2008-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

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

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2008-03-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Bigelow - orbiting earth!

2008-03-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00
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.

2008-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00
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.

Spaceport America Designs

2007-09-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

A rendering for the Spaceport America Terminal. I have seen more attractive designs, but this one seems to be the one of choice. It is difficult to tell the scale of this facility from this drawing. If you check the Spaceport America link, it will take you to other images of the Terminal.

http://www.spaceportamerica.com/home.html

Sad day in Mohave

2007-07-29T14:44:00.000-07:00
Our sincere condolences to Burt Rutan and his Virgin Galactic Team on their recent tragedy where three of the team members were killed. This happened during a fuel transfer. Branson has stated that this will in no way delay the Virgin Galactic construction schedule at the Spaceport America in NM.

Genesis II

2007-07-24T12:18:00.000-07:00
Bigelow Aerospace has successfully launched Genesis II and it is responding to commands made from the North Las Vegas command center. Genesis I is still orbiting and taking some fabulous photos of earth. See following article in re: Genesis II

http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/multiverse/news.php#update

2007-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00
Since Rocketcity is just up the road from us, we are always interested in what Steve Bennett is doing with his Starchaser Rockets. This is a link to a very nice article about his quest to send rockets into suborbital space and create a space tourism endeavor at our own Spaceport America.

http://www.starchaser.co.uk/pub/en_magazine_june2007.pdf

Shuttle Camp Registration

2007-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00
http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/shuttlecamp/index.php?type=schedule

If you want to sign up your children for the NM Space Museum's shuttle camp, here is the place to do that.

Space Tourism still just a dream.

2007-06-24T15:24:00.001-07:00
Bigelow Aerospace is the only Aerospace Company to have a vehicle in orbit. Genesis I takes great pictures and has been orbiting the earth for over a year now. According to Mr. Bigelow, Genesis II will be launched soon. It has been delayed per the following statement:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 17, 2007 - 1:04 p.m. PDT
Statement from Robert T. Bigelow on the Second Bigelow Aerospace Pathfinder Mission
Las Vegas, NV 05/17/07 – Bigelow Aerospace has been informed by its launch provider ISC Kosmotras (“Kosmotras”) that additional testing of the Dnepr rocket and its ground equipment is being required by Russian authorities.Due to last year’s Dnepr failure, these new and additional tests have been requested to identify any remaining issues with the system and enhance the overall chances of achieving our primary objective of mission success. Unfortunately, these procedures will create an additional four week delay. We now expect the launch of Genesis II to occur in late June.Again, no one likes launch delays and we wish the situation were otherwise. However, we experienced similar delays on the Genesis I campaign and, of course, were quite pleased with the end result. Moreover, since Genesis II contains a variety of important mementos, photos, and other personal items as part of our pilot “Fly Your Stuff” program, both Kosmotras and Bigelow Aerospace are proceeding with great caution in order to safely and successfully deliver the spacecraft to orbit.The path to space has never been and will never be simple or easy. However, whether it’s Genesis II or the ongoing work with our future spacecraft Galaxy and Sundancer, we at Bigelow Aerospace are dedicating ourselves to building the foundation for a brighter future, and we hope that all of you will continue to share in the adventure.- Robert T. Bigelow

2007-06-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

"Scotty" Returns to Terra Firma
The final chapter in the saga of the successful April 28 launch from Spaceport America was written today when reseachers recovered the payload capsule of the Spaceloft XL rocket in the New Mexico mountains, SPACE.com reports. The capsule contained ashes of actor James Doohan, best known for portraying "Scotty" on Star Trek. Also in the capsule were ashes of NASA astronaut Gordon Cooper and 200 others. The rocket completed its mission of shooting the payload into space, which then safely parachuted back to Earth.
posted by Tricia Ware at 2:01 PM 0 comments
Friday, April 06, 2007

Commercial Space: It's About Time

Yesterday, Time.com published "Space Cowboys," an in-depth business story on the New Space Race, covering every player from promiment Virgin Galactic to secretive Benson Space Co. About the Land of Enchatment, Time says: "New Mexico sees itself as a Silicon Valley of space, a place where an industry cluster could develop, absorbing investment and throwing off jobs as it does. When state economic-development secretary Rick Homans, chairman of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, saw the list of global companies participating in the X Prize in 2004, he says it suddenly dawned on him that the new space industry might look like the early computer industry--a bunch of crazy guys. 'They start with chaotic, crazy inventors and entrepreneurs--colorful characters. . .'" The story is also featured prominently in the March 5, 2007 print edition, pictured above.

ISS

2007-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00
How about a new look at the International Space Station:

http://www.space.com/interplayer/sts116/index.html

MEMORIAL DAY 2007

2007-05-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all our U.S. Veterans out there.

Starchaser

2007-05-17T21:28:00.001-07:00
New Billboard on I-10

This billboard is on Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces, NM and east of Deming, NM.
Starchaser is one of the companies that plans to assist with the rocketry for Spaceport America at Upham, NM.
At this site, exit 116, there will be a retail store, a rocket building facility with tours, a space themed hotel and restaurant as well as an amusement park to simulate suborbital rocket travel and to promote space tourism. Starchaser began in the UK, but now is operating in New Mexico, with offices in Las Cruces and on the 1-10 location.

UP Launch success!

2007-04-28T10:33:00.000-07:00
"05/28/2007"

NEW: Rocket makes successful flight into suborbital space, returns to Earth• Remains of 'Star Trek' actor, astronaut, 200 others carried into space• Family members paid $495 to put a few grams of their relatives' ashes on rocket

UPHAM, New Mexico - The cremated remains of actor James Doohan, who portrayed engineer "Scotty" on "Star Trek," soared into suborbital space Saturday aboard a rocket.
The rocket also carried the ashes of Apollo 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper, and about 200 other people.
It was the first successful launch from Spaceport America, a commercial spaceport being developed in the southern New Mexico desert.

Other Spaceport news: Bids have been let to build the Virgin Galactic headquarters and Hangers at Upham, NM. Stay tuned for renderings.

U.P. Aerospace

2007-04-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

You can purchase this patch from UP Aerospace. You can have it sent into orbit this month if you hurry.

NEWS FLASH:

Our SL-2 space launch is scheduled for April 28th...

We're honored that Celestis, Inc. has selected UP Aerospace as the launch services provider for the Celestis Legacy Memorial Spaceflight Mission. On our SL-2 flight, scheduled for April 28th, Star Trek's "Scotty" James Doohan and NASA astronaut and pioneer Gordon Cooper will return to the "final frontier".

Rocket City addition

2007-04-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Starchaser is adding this rocket to it's Rocket City location on Interstate 10 between Deming and Las Cruces, NM.

Genesis II

2007-03-30T18:29:00.001-07:00
Genesis II Different From Genesis I
By Eric HaakonstadProgram ManagerBigelow Aerospace

The successful development of Genesis I has brought forth the creation of Genesis II.
Since our first launch, we have been able to learn and grow from the information we compiled from our orbiting vehicle — expanding our knowledge to improve upon our new creation. We have been able to use and improve upon many of the materials and systems found on Genesis I and incorporate them into the construction of Genesis II, resulting in a similar, yet improved vehicle. With upgrades to vehicle control and sensory equipment, we are able to improve our interaction with the public. These new upgrades contribute to our ultimate goal: the evolution of product development for a pathway to manned missions.
Since the launch of Genesis I, we have tripled our high-data-rate communication coverage for our vehicles by expanding beyond our original Las Vegas and Virginia sites and constructing ground station sites in Alaska and Hawaii. The launch of Genesis II requires Bigelow Aerospace to coordinate multi-vehicle simultaneous operations. With the increase in ground stations and orbiting vehicles, we will be able to communicate with Genesis I and II up to five hours per day. We hope this will enhance our monitoring of Genesis II during the critical initial acquisition phase. These preliminary constellation operations present new challenges in prioritizing resources for data links, command and control and processing of vehicle data. New domestic and international communication sites are planned for the coming year.
The vision system aboard Genesis II is one example of how we hope to be able to utilize our enhanced communication capabilities. The vision system contains marked improvement in design over the system in Genesis I. Considerable effort has been made by Bigelow Aerospace engineers to improve the overall performance, reliability, and data-flow capabilities of the vision system to enhance the images from each of the 22 cameras onboard Genesis II. Technology demonstrators include a refined networking architecture over the Genesis I design, dual FireWire and Ethernet camera interfaces, and multiple new camera types including articulated cameras and a wireless camera for additional exterior shots. The cameras have allowed us to make our upcoming flight more personal and insightful for the public.
The images recorded from the 22 onboard cameras are expected to be sent back to our mission control headquarters, giving the public a chance to view payloads on and in Genesis II. We have expanded upon Genesis I payloads in complexity and number. This includes the “Fly Your Stuff” program, which will allow customers to see their own objects floating around in microgravity. A new exterior image projection system will allow for existing customers, as well as new ones, to display any picture of their choice on the main body of the vehicle. The public interaction has been further expanded into post-launch activities with the fun and experimental Space Bingo project.
We understand that the public would like to be in space themselves. As a stepping-stone to our manned missions, the Genesis II sensor suite has been improved with additional pressure, temperature, attitude control and radiation detection sensors. This will allow Bigelow Aerospace to better characterize the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment and the impact it has on spacecraft components, both interior and exterior. These new improvements also affect our revamped habitat for small-scale biological organisms and bugs. The new habitat includes new air and water-handling control systems, environmental sensors and robotic manipulators as preparation for the accommodation of larger life systems.
Genesis II is equipped with a distributed, multi-tank inflation system. This is an improvement on the single-tank design of Genesis I.
By using multiple tanks, the reliability of the inflation process is increased and allows for discrete gas control. This is the next evolutionary step toward maintaining the multiple gas supplies needed for our future man-tended vehicles.
Genesis II contains the same core attitude (guidance) control and stabilization system used on Genesis I with improvements that give us more refined pointing control and a faster dampening of the initial tip-off rate or body rotation from rocket separation. The basic magnetic torque rods, magnetometer, GPS and sun sensors from Genesis I are augmented on Genesis II with new reaction-wheel assemblies and a precision measurement system. The reaction-wheel system allows for the significantly faster body rate settling time and provides a technology demonstration capability needed for the larger future vehicles planned for BA.
Finally, we have installed additional layers to the outer shield of Genesis II to add more safeguards to the vehicle and subsystems. These additional layers offer better protection against micrometeoroid collision damage and improved thermal management, and will help characterize shielding requirements necessary for future missions.(Added on 03/05/2007)

Beautiful warm weather

2007-03-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY

2007-03-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Rocket Racing!

2007-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey X-Racer Fans!! Happy 2007 X-Racer Fans!
Whew! What an incredible year as we look back at the rapid development of the Rocket Racing League since we announced this time a year ago that the League was blasting off. Excitement from fans and sponsors alike has kept RRL in much demand for appearances throughout the US, and even though we're not quite ready for the first race, we've brought a taste of what is to come to whet the appetites of all who are curious and eagerly anticipating rocket racing. The Rocket Racing League "road show" gave us the chance to be up close and personal with you, our loyal fans! From Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Anaheim, California and many other places in between, RRL exhibited the Mark-1 X-Racer prototype and had simulators available to allow fans to fly an X-Racer. Two more rocket racing teams were introduced in the fall. Navy Lt. Jim Bridenstine and Bridenstine Rocket Racing were announced at the Reno Air Races in September. With our first racing team of Air Force pilots, we already have a great competition started. Our third racing team, Santa Fe Rocket Racing, was announced at the X PRIZE Cup in October. Owned by Marc Cumbow and his father Edward Cumbow, Santa Fe Rocket Racing is the first New Mexico team. We are currently in talks with several other prospective teams. Also at the X PRIZE Cup, we announced the winning name for the first Mark-1 X-Racer. Almost 20,000 fans voted on AOL and "Thunderhawk" was selected as the winning name. The name was submitted by Michael Higgins from Maryland and he was flown to New Mexico to claim his prizes and was awarded his leather bomber jacket by Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico. We've also acquired even more great partners. Reality television producer and former Fox Sports Net director Arthur Smith has come on board to produce the televised races. Former U.S. Congressman and science/space/technology expert Robert S. Walker has joined the advisory board of the Rocket Racing League and America's Cup winner Bill Koch has joined the RRL board of directors. Our presence in New Mexico is continuing to expand as we are not only building our world headquarters facility in Las Cruces, NM, but have an option to purchase another 170+ acres for an Aerospace Business Park to develop the Rocket Racing League "industry cluster" made up of businesses directly related to rocket racing and the League. Keep your eyes on the sky, rocket racing is coming soon! Granger Whitelaw, CEO Rocket Racing League
America's Cup Winner Joins RRL Board
Former U.S. Congressman Joins RRL Advisory Board
RRL Partners With Reality Powerhouse
Thunderhawk Named
Debut of Bridenstine Team Pits Air Force Against Navy Aviators
Santa Fe Rocket Racing Straps-in As 3rd Team
Erik R. LindberghFounding RRL Pilot
City of Las Cruces Approves Land Deal
X Prize Cup 2006 Recap
New Items Available at RRL Online Store
4th Quarter Exhibition Tour Roundup
Own a piece of history! For a limited time only, the RRL online store has Thunderhawk t-shirts available. Thunderhawk was the very first Mark-1 X-Racer and was named by an RRL fan... More
Over 300 acres at the West Mesa Industrial Park surrounding the Rocket Racing League headquarters site in Las Cruces, New Mexico has been designated for the RRL Aerospace Business Park, an "industry cluster" made up of businesses directly related to rocket racing, the RRL and the Aerospace industry. More
From sailing the seas to soaring the skies, billionaire Bill Koch has joined the board of the Rocket Racing League bringing with him the same entrepreneurial spirit he used to win the 1992 World's Cup. More
Beating out names like American Spirit, Sky Warrior and Banshee in an online contest that generated more than 2,000 submissions from fans worldwide, the name receiving the most votes during the summer contest on AOL was "THUNDERHAWK". More
Former U.S. Congressman and science/space/technology expert Robert S. Walker has joined the advisory board of the Rocket Racing League and will serve as its liaison for public and government relations. Walker was named one of the 100 most prominent space leaders by Space News magazine. More
In a highly anticipated move following the debut of its first independent race team, the Rocket Racing League unveiled its second, the Bridenstine Rocket Racing Team, at the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show. More
Seeking to reach millions of racing enthusiasts, action sports fans and aeronautics aficionados, the Rocket Racing League has partnered with A. Smith & Co., the production powerhouse responsible for the hits "Celebrity Duets," "Hell's Kitchen," "Skating with Celebrities," "The Swan" and "Paradise Hotel." More
The third rocket racing team, and the first New Mexico team, was announced at the X PRIZE Cup in October. Santa Fe Rocket Racing is founded by Marc Robert Cumbow, an Albuquerque land developer, and his father, Edward W. Cumbow, retired Air Force. More
"Like many of us, I dreamed of flying rockets as a kid," says Lindbergh. "I had visions of myself flying into space and looking down on the earth... More
Amid the excitement of the X PRIZE Cup competitions, the Rocket Racing League announced its third rocket racing team, unveiled the newly named Mark-1 X-Racer prototype and debuted its "Raceway in the Sky" technology before thousands of captivated fans... More

Starchaser Rocket City news

2007-02-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

This is a view of Rocket City looking east toward Las Cruces, NM. This exit is 31 miles east of Deming, NM.

Starchaser has approximately 2 miles of frontage on the north side of Interstate 10. They have let a contract to remodel an existing structure for an office and to build an exhibition area. Eventually, there will be a theme park, hotel, restaurant, gas station, astronaut training facilities and of course a Rocket manufacturing facility with tours open to the public. How long this will take, is anyone's guess.

Nice week with no strong winds, so really good.

2007-02-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Our January was the coldest in 30 years, so it is good to see some normalcy this week. Highs 68-72F. I'm staying up tonight making some cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I already made two loaves of bread for this week. Baking is a kind of stress therapy for me.

Guess I am back

2007-02-04T00:39:00.000-08:00
It has been a long time since I posted here. I have several other blogs and this one just kind of got lost in the shuffle. My bravenet blog is just hanging also because for some reason that I cannot figure out, I cannot login and cannot see the image verification figures to let bravenet know I have a problem, that is just nuts.

I will transfer some of my stuff over here from a newer space blog that I have been working on, just give me a few days and I am going to break for the Superbowl, lol.

2007 - should be a great year for all our Spaceports!

2007-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Actually I have started another Space Blog but since this one is actually here, I can update, so here goes.

First we have Bigelow Aerospace and this picture is of their plant in North Las Vegas, NV. Bigelow has 100 employees at this plant working steadily. They already have an inflatable spacecraft orbiting the earth at 300 miles up! Genesis I and will soon send up Genesis II. They are real space pioneers and plan to build a basic inexpensive space hotel for tourists who can't afford the luxury of the planned Hilton, etc. space hotels. Then we have a photo of the Canadian Arrow, which is Canada's addition to suborbital space ventures. All very exciting.

Blue Origin and Suborbital Space

2007-01-05T14:06:00.000-08:00
Blue Origin is to Van Horn Texas as Branson is to New Mexico.

MAP: The Blue Origin launch site would be 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) north of Van Horn, Texas. Credit: Blue Origin. Click to enlarge.
Public Weighs in on West Texas Spaceport Plan
Bezos' Blue Origin to Set Up Rocket HQ in Washington State
Details Emerge on Jeff Bezos' Space Plans
Blue Origin Spaceport Plans are Talk of Texas Town

Amazon Founder's Rocket Plans Take Flight as New Details, Images Emerge By Leonard DavidSenior Space Writerposted: 4 January 2007ET
The secretive doings of the Blue Origin rocket team have become less guarded thanks to a first-hand account from the group’s deep-pocketed backer: Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com fame and fortune.
The quest of Blue Origin rocketeers is to create a passenger-carrying suborbital rocket, dubbed the New Shepard.
For the first time, details of the team’s first development flight in the New Shepard step-by-step project have been made available [launch video]. That test took place nearly two months ago, on the morning of November 13, 2006 – from their privately-owned West Texas space launch site in Culberson County, Texas [map].
Step by step
“We launched and landed Goddard - a first development vehicle in the New Shepard program,” Bezos noted Jan. 2 on the Blue Origin website. “The launch was both useful and fun. Many friends and family came to watch the launch and support the team,” he said.
The Goddard vertical takeoff and landing rocket reached a maximum altitude of roughly 285 feet (87 meters) on its first development flight [image]. The rocket lifted off and landed upon the same pad on a set of legs. The Goddard test hop was delayed a few days due to gusting winds in the area.
“We’re working, patiently and step-by-step, to lower the cost of spaceflight so that many people can afford to go…and so that we humans can better continue exploring the solar system,” Bezos reported. “Accomplishing this mission will take a long time, and we’re working on it methodically. We believe in incremental improvement and in keeping investments at a pace that's sustainable.”
Bezos explained that “slow and steady” is the way to achieve results.
That philosophy can be seen on the Goddard test rocket itself, imbued with the words: “Gradatim Ferociter” – Latin for step-by-step, by degrees and fiercely doing so with spirit.
“We do not kid ourselves into thinking this will get easier as we go along. Smaller, more frequent steps drive a faster rate of learning, help us maintain focus, and give each of us an opportunity to see our latest work fly sooner,” Bezos said.
Reaction to the Bezos account of the Blue Origin success was provided to SPACE.com in a statement from Patti Grace Smith, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST) in Washington, D.C.
“Jeff Bezos and the Blue Origin

FAA sets guidelines for space travel

2006-12-22T11:52:00.000-08:00
Before strapping in to an American private spaceship, you’ll be told about the risk as well as rewards of flying the friendly space skies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued on December 15 a set of rules for crew passengers – dubbed “Space Flight Participants” involved in private human space flight.
The FAA rulemaking is crafted to protect the safety of the uninvolved public. They also call for measures that enable passengers -- before they buckle into spaceships -- to make informed decisions about their personal safety.
“The regulations require launch vehicle operators to provide certain safety-related information and identify what an operator must do to conduct a licensed launch with a human on board,” the FAA explained in a statement.
In addition, launch operators must inform passengers of the risks of space travel generally and the risks of space travel in the operator’s vehicle in particular. The newly released regulations also include training and general security requirements for space flight participants.
Phased approach
The FAA regulations don’t just deal with passengers, but also the pilots that welcome space travelers onboard their company spaceship. Spelled out are requirements for crew notification, medical qualifications and training.
Provisions governing environmental control and life support systems onboard a spaceship are also noted. In addition, the regulations require a launch vehicle operator to verify the integrated performance of a vehicle’s hardware and any software in an operational environment.
The Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) within the FAA led the work in creating the private human space flight requirements for crew and space flight participants.
Congress mandated the regulations in the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004. Because public space travel is a fledgling industry, lawmakers called for a phased approach in regulating commercial human space flight - with regulatory standards evolving as the industry matures.
Collaboration with industry
“This new transportation challenge brings added responsibility for the public’s well-being,” said Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. “These new space travel rules are consistent with the department’s long-standing commitment to public safety.”
“Private human space flight will be an unparalleled adventure,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. “In an environment where some level of risk will always be present, this action underscores the FAA’s firm commitment to public safety.”
The Personal Spaceflight Federation (PSF) also noted the new rulemaking. It applauded the direction provided by the FAA’s AST “in helping to build the foundations for personal spaceflight,” said Alex Tai, Chairman of the PSF.
Tai is also chief operating officer of Virgin Galactic – the public spaceliner group set up by British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson.
The PSF is comprised of private, public and non-profit organizations working to make commercial human spaceflight a reality. PSF members include spaceship developers and operators, spaceports, space destinations, and space transportation agents.
“The PSF welcomes the collaboration with industry that AST sought in creating these rules,” Tai told SPACE.com.
VIDEO: Virgin Galactic: Let the Journey Begin
VIDEO: How to Build a Tour-Ship for Space
Burt Rutan on Civilian Spaceflight, Breakthroughs, and Inside SpaceShipTwo
Space Adventures Offers $15 Million Spacewalks for ISS Visitors
Wide Range of Rocket Tech for Civilian Spaceflight
Public Space Travel: Building the Business Case
Space Tourism: Keeping The Customer Satisfied
Experience the Future of Flight

Singapore Spaceport

2006-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.spaceportsingapore.com/spattractions.html

Space Fun

2006-12-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

We have a new industry in this country and also in other towns across the world. Private Space Companies who plan to send tourists into Space and return them. Imagine elaborate Space hotels as well as simple inexpensive blow-up modules that will offer tourists a sub-orbital experience. I will provide photos of plans for Spaceports here in New Mexico as well as in places like: Singapore. Sounds like fun and there are so many industries that are springing up to provide services for these new endeavors. Things like Spacesuits for instance.