Spaceport America (formerly the Southwest Regional Spaceport) is "the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport", although initial construction is not yet complete. As of October 2009[update], eight suborbital missions have been launched from the port. Located near the White Sands Missile Range in state-owned desert 45 miles (72 km) north of Las Cruces and 30 miles (48 km) east of Truth or Consequences, it is currently under active development and is expected to be completed in 2010.
When Spaceport America opens for business in Summer of 2010, there will be about one launch per week. Operations are expected to progress to daily liftoffs. Virgin Galactic, the spaceport's anchor tenant, will have primary access to the spaceport's 10,000-foot-long (3,000 m) runway. From which, it will operate 2 1/2 hour commercial trips. Virgin's suborbital ship, Space Ship Two, will be flown by its mother-craft, White Knight Two, to an altitude of 50,000 feet before blasting off into a suborbital trajectory. Space Ship Two's launches will apex 70 miles from the Earth's surface at more than 2,000 mph. Customers will take part in 3 days pre-flight preparation, bonding, and training onsite at the spaceport.
Spaceport America has already hosted several vertical launches of its first tenant, UP Aerospace. Though incomplete, it has multiple vertical takeoff facilities completed.
Thus far, Virgin Galactic has accepted 370 reservations for suborbital trips, and collected $50 million in deposits. The company plans to launch its first flight in 2011 from Spaceport America.
Once completed, Spaceport America is expected to be the venue for the annual X Prize Cup suborbital spaceflight competitions. www.spaceportamerica.com
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| Artwork of Space Port America |
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