Spaceport America is the future of space tourism.
Spaceport America is located in New Mexico, USA.
Estimated construction cost $198 million.
Spaceport America Mission: To develop and operate the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport to attract the future space industry, deliver prosperity through public and private cooperation, and inspire the next generation.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson speaks during the Spaceport America groundbreaking ceremonies in June 2009.
Construction began in August 2009 of the 10,000 foot by 200 foot Spaceport America runway. The runway is 42" thick with a 14" concrete finished surface, can accommodate almost any manned or unmanned aircraft in the world.
Not all is fragrant roses! The Atlantic Wire had this to say….
Surprise: Luxury Space Travel Down in Economic Downturn
Some question whether the state will increasingly look toward the private sector to take over what is undeniably a risky venture, and governor Susana Martinez has vowed to privatize the project in lieu of a $450 million state deficit, without fully giving it up. "We want to be a leader in space exploration," the Times quotes Gov. Martinez as saying. "But we want to do it within our budget."
