History Made at Spaceport America Groundbreaking
The New Mexico Economic Development Department helped celebrate the historic groundbreaking of Spaceport America with a series of events held June 18-19, 2009. The celebrations marked the culmination of New Mexico’s long journey towards establishing the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Governor Bill Richardson was on hand to address the crowds at each event, stressing the economic and educational benefits of the Spaceport. Economic Development Department Deputy Cabinet Secretary/Spaceport Chairwoman Daniela Glick hosted the festivities on both days.
Thursday, June 18, a public event was held at the “Horseshoe” on the campus of New Mexico State University. Several hundred people were on hand to listen to speeches from invited dignitaries, as well as explore space-related booths and attractions. A second, invitation only event was staged later that evening at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces.
On Friday morning, June 19, 500-plus invited guests and upwards of 60 press members from around the world traveled from Truth or Consequences to the remote site of Spaceport America for groundbreaking festivities. In addition to speeches from the Governor and Deputy Secretary, Virgin Galactic President Will Whitehorn and Executive Director of Spaceport America Steve Landeen addressed the crowd.
Following the presentations, a bulldozer officially broke ground on the future site of the 110,000 plus square-foot facility. The event concluded with a mass launch of small rockets, including a rocket that had been filled with a canister of earth from the site. The gesture symbolized the continuation of New Mexico pioneering spirit, from the exploration of the El Camino Royal 400 years ago up to the exciting future of commercial space travel.
In the short term, the construction of Spaceport America will provide 400 construction related jobs. Construction is expected to begin in July with an eye towards completion in late 2010 or early 2011. Eventually, thousands of sustainable tourism, high tech, educational and supporting industry jobs will be created by the spaceport and its related interests.
Virgin Galactic is basing their world headquarters in southern New Mexico, and has already invested over $300 million in developing a new space launch system. UP Aerospace, Lockheed Martin and Armadillo Aerospace have also committed to joining Virgin Galactic at the Spaceport