NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Space tourism in New Mexico is growing and there are going to be some big things coming out of Spaceport America. That includes the return of commercial space flights after a pause of operations from Virgin Galactic this year.
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The New Mexico Spaceport Authority and Virgin Galactic gave an update on the state of the industry and its economic impact to the Legislative Finance Authority Oversight Committee on Monday. “Folks are bringing dozens of people. The last flight, Galactic 7, four astronauts brought a total of 220 guests with them to stay for the week.”
Monday’s presentations began with Spaceport America speaking about the growth they’ve seen and where they are headed. “We’re now working on a new hanger –so this is a $10 million hanger. It’s about 2 million for the hanger and about 8 million for all the concrete and associated infrastructure that has to go with it, even the taxiway,” said a representative with NMSA.
Money from Virgin Galactic has also been a help to the spaceport. Its lease and operational payments provide up to $35 million for the state. Virgin Galactic also told the committee its next steps moving forward. “Unity flew every three to four weeks. These vehicles are designed to fly every three to four days,” said a representative from Virgin Galactic.
The company is now working on two new spaceships and expanding its fleet. “We’re going to book on, we get 125 a year in revenue. That’s 750 customers flying a year. And you do the math, that brings in about $450 million of revenue to the company just with two spaceships.”
Virgin Galactic said the Delta class spaceships should be arriving in 2025-2026 for commercial flights following test flights.
