Official State of New Mexico Website
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For general inquiries, use the information below or reach the corporate office of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority at (575) 267-8500.
Spaceport America was designed, built, and is owned and operated by the State of New Mexico.
Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant at Spaceport America, and holds a 20-year lease agreement for the use of the Gateway to Space and the horizontal launch area. In addition, Spaceport America has other tenants and customers
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) manages Spaceport America. NMSA coordinates all the airspace, manages all facilities across the 18,000 acres, security, fire, and EMT support. All facilities at Spaceport America are paid for by New Mexico taxpayers
Virgin Galactic is the largest employer. Other tenants with long-term leases at Spaceport America include AeroVironment/ HAPSMobile, UP Aerospace and SpinLaunch. Swift Engineering, Stratodynamics, C6 Launch Systems and White Sands Research and Developers are among the many short-term customers at Spaceport America.
Spaceport America has been launching vehicles to space (as defined by the US Air Force space as 50 miles above the Earth’s surface/ approximately 80kms) since 2007. The highest altitude of a launch from Spaceport America was achieved by UP Aerospace on their SL-9 mission in 2014. The radar-verified apogee was 407,862 ft = 77.25 miles = 124.32 km!
Spaceport America is in a remote unpopulated area with great weather for launch. It is adjacent to White Sands in Missile Range, which provides access to 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace, and can provide services like telemetry, radar, optical tracking, and weather forecasting.
Absolutely! Spaceport America has served as a wonderful venue for special events, photoshoots, films and more. For more details, visit Event Venue or Contact Us for more information.
The best way to visit Spaceport America is by reserving a tour. Reservations can be made by calling 575-267-8888 or via the website at spaceportamericatour.com.
The closest airports with passenger service are the El Paso International Airport (ELP) and the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Other nearby municipal airports include Las Cruces (KLRU), Truth or Consequences (KTCS), and Hatch (E05). There are no commercial airline flights directly into Spaceport America.
Spaceport America is a prior permission required (PPR) airport. Occasionally, special fly-in events are scheduled and will be posted on the website event calendar in advance.
Where is Spaceport America?
Spaceport America is located just west of the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range in Sierra County, New Mexico, United States of America. Spaceport America is located about 55 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico; about 30 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and about 30 miles northeast of the village of Hatch, New Mexico.
What is NMSA?
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) is the state agency charged with the responsibility to design, develop, construct, operate, and oversee Spaceport America.
When did Spaceport America get built?
The first phase of Spaceport construction was completed in FY16.
When did the Gateway to Space start construction?
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation issued the license to the Spaceport Authority for vertical and horizontal launches from the Spaceport in December 2008, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 19, 2009.
How can I visit Spaceport America?
The best way to visit Spaceport America is by reserving a tour. Reservations can be made by calling 575-267-8888 or via the website at https://spaceportamericatour.com/.
Can I come out and watch a rocket launch?
Spaceport America occasionally hosts public launches, depending on restrictions set by our launch customers and safety advisors. Details will be posted on spaceportamerica.com in advance of any public launches.
Can I land my plane at Spaceport America?
Spaceport America is a prior permission required (PPR) airport. Occasionally, special fly in events are scheduled and will be posted on the website event calendar in advance.
I have a flight program I’d like to bring to New Mexico. How do I get more information?
Visit Doing Business with Us to find out more about the benefits of locating your operations at Spaceport America. You can also Contact Us for more information.
Can I get a representative of Spaceport America to speak at an event, meeting or conference?
For more information about scheduling a speaking engagement with a representative from Spaceport America, submit your request via Contact Us.
When is Spaceport America going to open?
With over 300 launches already accomplished, Spaceport America is open for business! Each year, we host a number of vertical rocket launches, high altitude balloon missions, other aerospace missions, regular film and photo shoot events, and host the world’s largest rocket competition, the Spaceport America Cup.
What is Virgin Galactic?
Virgin Galactic is the world’s first commercial spaceline and anchor tenant at Spaceport America.
Why is Virgin Galactic here?
In December of 2005, Gov. Bill Richardson and Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin Galactic would locate its operations in New Mexico.
When did Virgin Galactic get here?
Virgin Galactic moved their full operations to New Mexico in June 2019. They currently have two locations in Las Cruces.
When is Virgin Galactic going to launch?
Virgin Galactic held their first spaceflight from Spaceport America in May 2021. SpaceShipTwo reached an apogee of 55.45 miles with two pilots on board and made New Mexico the third state to host human spaceflight.
What is the longitude and latitude of Spaceport America?
Latitude: 33 -00.343333N, Longitude: 105 -58.396667W, Elevation: 4595.0 ft.
How much was the cost of constructing Spaceport America?
The final cost to construct the Spaceport was $218.5 million, of which $142.1 million was allocated by the State of New Mexico and $76.4 million was generated by local spaceport gross receipt taxes.
How do I get a job at Spaceport America?
Job postings can be found on our Careers page.
How did Spaceport America start?
The Spaceport’s history began with the Southwest Space Task Force, which was formed in 1992, and the Office of Space Commercialization, which was created by Gov. Bruce King in 1993. In 2005, the New Mexico Legislature established a “Spaceport America Regional Spaceport District.” This entity collects and distributes the .25% spaceport gross receipts taxes from Dona Ana and Sierra Counties. In December of 2005, Gov. Bill Richardson and Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin Galactic would locate its operations in New Mexico.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority began its operations as a separate State Government Agency on July 1, 2006. The first rocket launch at Spaceport America occurred on September 25, 2006. The first phase of Spaceport construction was completed in FY16.
Can I get information about the airfield?
FAA identified: 9NM9
Activation date: 8/2010
AWOS on site
More information: https://www.airnav.com/airport/9NM9
How big is the runway?
12,000 x 200 ft. / 3658 x 61 m.
What about the air space?
Spaceport America has access to 6,000 square miles of restricted air space, the surface to unlimited.
How do we get air space?
Coordination with White Sands Missile Range and the FAA.
How big is the fabric hangar?
90ft x 90ft / 27m x 27m
What if I want a speaker?
Please contact Public Information Officer Charlie Hurley at charles.hurley@spaceportamerica.com.
Do you have a website for STEM information or activities?
Our Education page has STEM lesson plans and activities.
