Release courtesy of Spaceport America
LAS CRUCES, NM – Officials from Spaceport America congratulate today’s historic vote by the House of Representatives that sets a new direction for NASA that assigns a primary role to the commercial space industry.
“This legislation marks a major turning point for the U.S. Space program, and means we will rely on the private sector, and facilities such as Spaceport America, for travel to sub-orbit, lower-earth orbit the space station and most likely the moon,” said Rick Homans, Executive Director of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority.
The NASA Authorization Act of 2010, previously passed by the Senate on August 5, now goes to the President for his signature.
The bill earmarks $1.62 billion to help private companies develop new systems and technology for crew transportation to and from the International Space Station.
As well as providing funding for commercial crew and cargo programs, the bill also expands funding for technology research & development and commercial suborbital research programs.
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 Armadillo Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, 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 its promise to the people of New Mexico.
For additional information and images of Spaceport America go to www.spaceportamerica.com or contact David Wilson at david@wilson-binkley.com or at 575-524-8118.
