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.