The new Spaceport America hangar backdrops the spacecraft White Knight Two, Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 in Upham, N.M. British billionaire Richard Branson dedicated the newly completed terminal Monday where his Virgin Galactic is slated to begin his commercial space tourism venture from the remote patch of desert in Sierra County. (AP Photo/Matt York)
British billionaire Richard Branson opened the world's first-ever
commercial spaceport in the New Mexico desert, the new home for his
company, Virgin Galactic.
The eccentric businessman, with usual
flair, sported a black jacket and waves of hair flying as he inaugurated
the building by breaking a champagne bottle against a hanger building,
while rappelling down the side of it.
British billionaire Sir Richard Branson stands along side the spacecraft White Knight Two after a test flight outside the new Spaceport America hangar Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 in Upham, NM. Branson dedicated the newly completed terminal Monday where his Virgin Galactic is slated to begin his commercial space tourism venture from the remote patch of desert in Sierra County. (AP Photo/Matt York)
"Spaceport America," as the site is called, will serve "as
the operating hub for Virgin Galactic and is expected to house up to
two WhiteKnightTwos and five SpaceShipTwos, in addition to all of
Virgin’s astronaut preparation facilities and mission control," said the
company in a statement to the press.
About 150 people already booked for travel on the first flights to orbit attended the event, said the company.
Guests outside the new Spaceport America hangar Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 in Upham, N.M. British billionaire Richard Branson dedicated the newly completed terminal Monday where his Virgin Galactic is slated to begin his commercial space tourism venture from the remote patch of desert in Sierra County. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Also attending were head of Virgin Galactic George Whitesides, commercial director Stephen Attenborough, and famed US astronaut -- and second human being to step on the moon -- Buzz Aldrin.
Branson last month said he hoped to launch a vessel into space within the next 12 months, which he said would kick off an era of commercial space travel.
Also attending were head of Virgin Galactic George Whitesides, commercial director Stephen Attenborough, and famed US astronaut -- and second human being to step on the moon -- Buzz Aldrin.
Branson last month said he hoped to launch a vessel into space within the next 12 months, which he said would kick off an era of commercial space travel.
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