Virgin to Build New Mexico Spaceport

[yevaud]

<b>Virgin spaceport to be built in N.M.</b><br /><br />By Jane Wardell, AP Business Writer | December 13, 2005<br /><br /><i>LONDON --Virgin Galactic, the British company created by entrepreneur Richard Branson to send tourists into space, and New Mexico announced an agreement Tuesday for the state to build a $225 million spaceport.<br /><br />Virgin Galactic also revealed that up to 38,000 people from 126 countries have paid a deposit for a seat on one of its manned commercial flights, including a core group of 100 "founders" who have paid the initial $200,000 cost of a flight upfront. Virgin Galactic is planning to begin flights in late 2008 or early 2009.<br /><br />New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Rick Homans said construction of the spaceport, to be built largely underground in the south of the state near the White Sands Missile Range, could begin in early 2007, depending on approval from environmental and aviation authorities.</i><br /><br />Full Story <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[larrison]

They must be making a ton of money.<br />I can't think of anything, right now that makes their spaceport much different that a typical airport (other than the obvious).<br />They will even be handeling less flight traffic.

 

[grooble]

Finally, the public will get a foothold on space.

 

[larrison]

More of a toe hold but it is a step.

 

[xojackso]

Long time away from this Forum!<br /><br />Does anybody have any ideas who's going to actual BUILD this spaceport? From a construction standpoint?

 

[jstockton]

There has beena lot of activity recently on this topic and it would seem that Virgin is asking the State to pony up $225 million to build it. The senate is considering it but hasn't decided yet.<br /><br />In any event the environmental study is underway and best case has groundbreaking on construction happening about this time next year. We can all dream about it being ready NOW but alas, these things do take time.

 

[yevaud]

Good God, almost a year! (And I thought *I* was the past master of the SDC disappearing act)<br /><br />Good question. I'll try to find out... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[xojackso]

I think I got sucked into the FreeSpace whirlwind and got burned out. <br /><br />Nice being back!

 

[propforce]

Good Lord, I read that as a "New" Mexico Spaceport...<br /><br />I said to myself, when did Mexico had an "old" Spaceport in the first place? <scratch head /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[yevaud]

<img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[yevaud]

Six, and a Cub Reporter. They're happily awaiting events, while getting skunked on rotgut Tequila and Mezqal at the Fracasado Inn ($19.95 a night!).<br /><br />Just happen to know... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[yevaud]

Ahh, reconsider. "Fracasado" means (loosely) "Loser" in Spanish.<br /><br />And the service is lousy. Although Bonita the Maid is kinda cute.<br /><br />*Ahem* <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>