Spaceport America is exclusively tailored for the needs of commercial users. What sets Spaceport America apart from its counterparts is its unique distinction – it has no prior history of serving as an airport or any form of federal infrastructure.
When did Virgin Galactic launch its space tourism flights?
In late summer of 2023, Virgin Galactic began its first series of commercial flights. Flights are expected in 2027 — and have usually been announced about a week ahead of time.
Spaceport America is situated on 18,000 acres adjacent to the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range and boasts 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace. Restricted airspace is required so that launches from the facility do not interfere with commercial and private air traffic.
At an elevation of 4,595 feet, Spaceport America has an advantage over other sea level spaceport locations. A higher elevation puts launches almost a mile closer to space, saving energy and fuel.
The site is built to accommodate both vertical and horizontal launch aerospace vehicles, as well as an array of non-aerospace events and commercial activities.
Spaceport America is not owned by Sir Richard Branson, as has been frequently misreported in the media. The facility is owned and operated by the State of New Mexico.
Spaceport America has been used as a setting for film and commercial production
The facility is frequently used for STEM education projects for students of all ages.
Spaceport America was designed and built utilizing the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED NCv2.2 program as the framework for the sustainable development of the facility. The LEED Rating System is generally recognized as being the most prominent set of sustainability guidelines in the United States by emphasizing strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.
If I can’t visit Spaceport America, what is the next best thing?
