Post date: Oct 23, 2010 4:19:17 PM
Virgin billionaire Richard Branson dedicates runway for proposed spaceport in New Mexico.
USA-SPACEPORT - The VSS Enterprise is one step closer to the stars.
Billionaire Richard Branson was on hand for the dedication of the first runway at Virgin Galactic's proposed commercial spaceport in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Around 600 ventured out into the desert to see the VSS Enterprise spaceship and its carrier aircraft White Knight Two on Friday, including 30 so-called space tourists who have already booked a suborbital space ride.
Some 380 people have reserved their seat worth $200,000 each.
Virgin's first flights are set to take place at the end of 2011 or early 2012.
Branson said his company, a subsidiary of Virgin Group, is in talks to partner with two firms sponsored by the U.S. government as part of a push to fund private space initiatives.
At some point in the future these companies could take over shuttle duties to the International Space Station.
NASA is looking to expand its $50-million commercial program and could open bidding for new projects as soon as Monday.
Jessica Gray, Reuters