Runway Construction makes Progress at Spaceport America

KRQE TV Spaceport America runway construction story (See video here) 

The construction of the new runway is well underway at Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials have released new aerial photos taken in March 2010 of the 10,000-foot runway project, which is designed to accommodate horizontal-launch space and air operations at the spaceport. The runway is expected to be complete by Summer 2010.

Measuring 10,000 feet long by 200 feet wide, the runway is designed for day-to-day space tourism and payload launch operations like those anticipated for Virgin Galactic, the anchor tenant for Spaceport America.The large concrete runway will also be able to accommodate returning launch vehicles, fly-back rocket boosters and other space launch and training vehicles.

The spaceport’s 110,00-square foot Terminal Hangar Facility (THF) and apron are now under construction. When the THF is completed in late 2010/early 2011, it will be ready to house the world headquarters for Virgin Galactic and their operations for WhiteKnightTwo (VMS2) and SpaceShipTwo (SS2) along with the Spaceport America operations offices.

In addition to the runway and THF work at Spaceport America, construction work continues on the spaceport’s internal roadways, site electrical, fuel storage, waste water system, water system and Airfield Rescue Fire Facility (ARFF).

Spaceport America Runway aerial shot March 2010 - Photo Courtesy of Richard Woodsum

The runway soil cement base, required before the asphalt layer is applied, is being leveled by a machine that uses a computer controlled Global Satellite Positioning System January 2010

14" concrete finish layer being applied on top the spaceport runway asphalt with steel rebar February 2010 - Photo Courtesy of Judd Bradley

Asphalt production plant at the Spaceport America construction site used for the construction of the runway.

Concrete production facility at the Spaceport America construction site used for the construction of the runway.

Heavy equipment used on Spaceport America runway.

THF Footings March 2010

Spaceport America Terminal Hangar Facility (THF) crane work March 2010

Waste water storage tank site construction.

Waste water storage tank being put underground at the spaceport site.

Lunar Lander Pad Construction

Spaceport America has installed three launch pads for NASA’s 2009 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Centennial Challenge, which is administered by the X PRIZE Foundation to spur innovation and technology development. Called 'Tranquility Base' to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon, the trio of lunar lander launch pads was constructed the week of June 22 in preparation for this year's competition, which continues through October 31, 2009.

The circular reinforced concrete pads are similar in size but different in design. Two are smooth and flat, and the other has built-in 'lunar craters' and rocks to more closely resemble the terrain of the moon. Spaceport America will name the lunar pad in honor of the first team that successfully completes the level-two challenge at Spaceport America. The launch pads will also be available for other commercial space companies and educational opportunities.

Newly constructed launch pads for NASA’s 2009 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Centennial Challenge

Site Enabling & Airfield Work Begins

After reviewing proposals from several contractors, the New Mexico Spaceport Authority has selected two contractors to provide services for the next stages of construction. David Montoya Construction, Inc., of Alameda, NM, will build the 10,000-foot concrete runway at Spaceport America, which is designed for horizontal launch operations to complement existing vertical launch infrastructure.

Site enabling services are being handled by FNF New Mexico, LLC, of Albuquerque, NM. This company will design and execute a plan to facilitatethe construction of the spaceport, including site preparation and coordination with all the contractors for site security, dust control and other functions.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson speaks at Spaceport America Ground breaking June 19, 2009

Completion of Paving on County Road AO-13

After starting work in September 2008, the road improvement project providing better access to Spaceport America from Engle, NM, has been completed. Crews from the Reiman Corporation worked on County Road A013 from Engle south to the intersection of AO39, which is the entrance to the spaceport. The work involved many miles of grading and road improvements and the application of a chip and seal road surface. In addition, several bridges needed to be substantially improved or replaced. The result is a much smoother, more durable road coming from Truth or Consequences.

County road AO-13 newly paved. On the far right side of the road are miles of temporary water pipe lines going to the spaceport.

Gerald Martin Offices at Spaceport America

Gerald Martin Power Point Overview of Spaceport America Construction
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