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UPHAM, NM – The construction of a 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 on September 13, 2009, of the 10,000-foot runway project, which isdesigned to accommodate horizontal launch space and air operations at the spaceport. The runway is expected to be complete by late 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.

David Montoya Construction, Inc., of Alameda, NM, is building the airfield at Spaceport America. After successfully completed an RFP process, this contractor was selected to provide construction services of the airfield by the NMSA Board of Directors. David Montoya Construction, Inc., has provided construction services on many large-scale projects since being established in 1985. The company hasprovided similar concrete paving services for Albuquerque International Airport and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo.David Montoya Construction, Inc., is recognized by the Hispanic BusinessMagazine as one of the top 500 Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.

The Terminal Hangar Facility at Spaceport America is projected to be complete by early 2011.The NMSA has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, UP Aerospace and Microgravity Enterprises to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility.

PHOTO CREDIT:
Spaceport America Runway Construction. Photo Courtesy of Richard Woodsum