Release courtesy of Spaceport America
Photo courtesy of Fred Shepherd
LAS CRUCES, NM — The New Mexico Spaceport Authority has selected Follow The Sun, Inc., to conduct public Preview Tours of Spaceport America.
Spaceport America’s Preview Tours will feature guided, exclusive access to the spaceport and provide guests an up close and personal encounter with the spaceflight facilities only available during the current pre-operational phase. Guests will also learn the history and evolution of transportation and trade in the area from the Spanish pioneers and Native Americans of the past to the space pioneers of the future. The approximately three-hour experience gives guests an in-depth look at the scenic beauty and rugged ranges of New Mexico’s Old West, as well as man’s efforts to survive in the high desert.
“The company is thrilled for the enormous opportunity to provide exclusive tours of Spaceport America,” said Rose Bleth, president and founder of Follow the Sun. “What an honor”. As part-time residents of Sierra County, Bleth and her business partner and husband Mark not only recognize the long-term business potential of spaceport tourism, but also see the endeavor as personally gratifying, explaining that they both “truly care about the community and the success that comes from Spaceport America. We want to make a difference, and our heart is in it as well.”
Tours will begin May 13, 2011, and will be conducted each Friday, Saturday and Sunday thereafter. Tour buses will depart twice daily, at 9 am and 1 pm. The guided tours will initially depart from both the Elephant Butte Inn, 401 New Mexico 195, Elephant Butte, NM; and across from Sunset Grill on 306 S. Pershing St., Truth or Consequences, NM. Expansion of tours to Las Cruces and Albuquerque is anticipated later this year.
Cost: $59 for adults and $29 for children under 12. Reservations are required with a minimum of two guests per tour. Group discounts are available. For more information go to www.ftstours.com or call: 1-505-897-2886 or Toll Free: 1-866-428-4SUN (786)
About Follow the Sun, Inc.
Follow the Sun Inc., a woman-owned motorcoach and tour company based in Albuquerque, NM, has been showcasing the wonders of New Mexico to local, national and international clients since 2003. In addition to serving as the official tour operator for Spaceport America, the company offers a variety of charter, receptive and day tour services throughout the state featuring local, experienced guides and the highest level of customer service. Follow the Sun believes that it’s more than transportation and touring, it’s about taking care of people.
About Spaceport America
Spaceport America has been providing commercial launch services since 2006. The state-of-the-art launch facility is under construction near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and is expected to become fully operational in 2011. Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Armadillo Aerospace, Moog-FTS, and UP Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America are already delivering on the promise of economic development to the people of New Mexico.
For more information, please visit: www.spaceportamerica.com
