So, How Do You Build A Spaceport?

That is the question that New Mexico is pondering of late. Despite the launching of several space tourism companies, with the exception of Space Adventures, none have sent private citizens to the stars, let alone built a fully functioning space port.

But that is not stopping New Mexico from constructing America's first private spaceport--and it looks like they selected a good location for it too.

(MSNBC) The proposed spaceport site is approximately 27 square miles of open, generally level, range land that can be found 45 miles north of Las Cruces and 30 miles east of Truth or Consequences. This site was picked for its low population density, uncongested airspace, and high elevation.

That's ideal rocket country for UP Aerospace of Unionville, Connecticut. They are readying their SpaceLoft XL rocket for a New Mexico spaceport sendoff in late March.

Who would have imagined that America's future would be located in a barren desert? New Mexico hopes that the site will not only be used by private industries, but also governmental agencies as well.

(MSNBC) New Mexico spaceport advocates also envision the project as one of "national significance"--capable of supporting NASA and other U.S. government agencies too. International space agencies can contract with the private sector to loft passengers and payloads from the spaceport to the International Space Station and to the Moon.

Perhaps this author will take a trip out west to visit the new facilities. With all of the bad news going around the world, this is something to surely brighten anybodies day.



Want more space geek news? Then subscribe below via email, RSS or twitter for free updates!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Prefer another service? How about via RSS or follow Colony Worlds on Twitter!