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18.09.09
Spaceport Runway Progress
Runway construction makes progress at Spaceport America
UPHAM, NM – The construction of a new runway is well underway at Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials have released new aerial photos taken on September 13, 2009, of the 10,000-foot runway project, which is designed to accommodate horizontal launch space and air operations at the spaceport. The runway is expected to be complete by late Summer 2010. Measuring 10,000 feet long by 200 feet wide, the runway is designed for day-to-day space tourism and payload launch operations like those anticipated for Virgin Galactic, the anchor tenant for Spaceport America. The large concrete runway will also be able to accommodate returning launch vehicles, fly-back rocket boosters and other space launch and training vehicles.
David Montoya Construction, Inc., of Alameda, NM, is building the airfield at Spaceport America. After successfully completed an RFP process, this contractor was selected to provide construction services of the airfield by the NMSA Board of Directors. David Montoya Construction, Inc., has provided construction services on many large-scale projects since being established in 1985. The company has provided similar concrete paving services for Albuquerque International Airport and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo. David Montoya Construction, Inc., is recognized by the Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the top 500 Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.
The Terminal Hangar Facility at Spaceport America is projected to be complete by early 2011.The NMSA has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, UP Aerospace and Microgravity Enterprises to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility.
PHOTO CREDIT: Spaceport America Runway Construction. Photo Courtesy of Richard Woodsum
For additional information and images of Spaceport America go to http://www.spaceportamerica.com or contact David Wilson 575-524-8118 or email:dwilsonwilson-binkley.com
7 Responses to "Spaceport Runway Progress"
Jamie Underhay on 18.04.10 (07:39)
I may only be 15. but i started flying when i was 11. I will definitely be taking this up as a career choice! your spacecraft is beautiful!
peter dallaway on 20.01.10 (21:47)
we all dream and most the time the dreams stay safe in our minds but some people just do it, thay do what we dream of and now soon we dont have to dream enymore thanks to space ship 2 and mr branson it will soon be a reality good luck and thanks
James Donaldson on 20.01.10 (17:55)
Our fourth grade class wondered if anyone has time to post more pictures of the spaceport construction. Isaac, "What do you use for the walls when you build it?" Taylor, "How much does it all cost?" Illeana, "How long will it take to make the runway?" Tanner, "Does it take special architects to build a spaceport? Micheal, "How much does the spaceport weigh?"
william tell on 12.01.10 (02:23)
I wish I owned a space ship! I sure do hope the cost really does come into the 20-25k range I would do that in a heart beat! 200k is.... well 1/4 of my total lifetime income so probably not going to happen.
David Van Hulst on 05.01.10 (06:05)
My wife and I passed by the Spaceport area of New Mexico last spring while RVing around America. It is a peaceful, beautiful region of the U.S. I will keep my fingers crossed that all goes well on your exciting project. David Van Hulst