Spaceport America continues to make preparations for upcoming launch operations of SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. The SpaceX Falcon 9R rocket will be the largest ever to fly from Spaceport America. As the launch complex nears completion, the technical team is reviewing and refining preparation and launch day plans and procedures. They are also assisting with site readiness. Items include refining the formal Range Operations Plan and ensuring that the spaceport is in compliance with New Mexico open burning regulations. Several fire prevention measures such as a vegetation-free buffer and fire breaks around the edges of the launch and landing pads have been added.
With respect to Virgin Galactic, the technical team has been refining the Airfield Operations Plan. Recently, the three-party Letter of Agreement (Virgin Galactic-FAA Albuquerque Center-Spaceport America) that is required by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation was finalized.
