US gives green light for first commercial spaceport
 

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US Federal Aviation Administration has given the green light for the world's first commercial spaceport, New Mexico authorities said Thursday.

The FAA granted Spaceport America a license for vertical and horizontal space launches following an environmental impact study, according to the New Mexico Space Authority (NMSA).

"These two governmental approvals are the next steps along the road to a fully operational commercial spaceport," said NMSA Executive Director Steven Landeene.

"We are on track to begin construction in the first quarter of 2009, and have our facility completed as quickly as possible."

The terminal and hangar facility for horizontal launches is planned for completion by late 2010.

NMSA hopes to sign a lease agreement later this month with Virgin Galactic, a branch of Virgin Atlantic owned by British airline magnate Richard Branson. The firm's SpaceShipTwo passenger craft will be the main attraction at the site.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081219...usspacetourism

Re: US gives green light for first commercial spaceport
 

Well, we've been charging big bucks (as well as the Russians) to take people into space - I guess it's moving towards a time when it will be available for anyone with deep enough pockets to pay (i.e., more commercial than governmental).
alys

Re: US gives green light for first commercial spaceport
 

Yeah alyscat,and Richard Branson is real close to doing it with his company Virgin Galactic!

Re: US gives green light for first commercial spaceport
 

I bet that once people start doing this, they'll see more UFOs than they bargained for.

Remember the moon..

Re: US gives green light for first commercial spaceport
 

Yes Humble, and Richard Branson is the right guy for this, very cool guy!