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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"
Michael Hilton on 11.12.09 (09:23)
Good luck Richard, i cant wait to see the first take off (:
Daniel Crofts on 08.12.09 (22:22)
I hope everything goes according to plan. Richard Branson is an inspiration to us all! :) You can do it Richard. I'm still shocked hes managed to get commercial spaceflight let alone the building of a Spaceport runway. Good Luck Daniel Crofts soon to be Dr. D Crofts :)