We are one step closer to commercial space travel as the Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space’s main hangar and visitor’s experience center finished construction in Spaceport America, New Mexico. On hand for the celebration was the mastermind behind Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson, New Mexico’s Governor Susana Martinez, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and 800 guests, including 150 international Virgin Galactic customers who have already reserved their spot in the first space flights. The highlight of the dedication was the flight of WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo, two spacecrafts in the Virgin Galactic fleet.
Courtesy of Virgin Galactic
Courtesy of Virgin Galactic
“Today is another history-making day for Virgin Galactic,” said Sir Richard Branson. “We are here with a group of incredible people who are helping us lead the way in creating one of the most important new industrial sectors of the 21st century. We’ve never wavered in our commitment to the monumental task of pioneering safe, affordable and clean access to space, or to demonstrate that we mean business at each step along the way.”
The Sir Norman Foster designed building meets LEED Gold standards.The British-based Foster + Partners firm used local materials and installed geothermal heating and cooling systems. To read more about their sustainable design visit inhabitat.com.
