Posts Tagged ‘Jerry Larson’

Article Courtesy of Spaceport America

UPHAM, NM – New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials announced a successful launch of a test flight vehicle for Lockheed Martin by UP Aerospace from Spaceport America on Saturday, October 10. The brief test flight was a non-public, unpublished event at the request of Lockheed Martin, who is testing proprietary advanced launch technologies. “Saturday’s launch successfully lifted off at 9:45 a.m. during our four-hour launch window,” said UP Aerospace President Jerry Larson.  “This is our third launch for Lockheed Martin from Spaceport America, which is proving to be an ideal location for supplying low-cost, fast-turnaround launch operations.” UP Aerospace plans to double its number of customer launches from Spaceport America to six or more in 2010 as demand for the company’s services increases.

The latest launch represents yet another successful launch from Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene said, “We are extremely pleased to host another launch by UP Aerospace, the third this year, which continues to set the precedent for safe, practical commercial spaceflight at Spaceport America.” Earlier this year, UP Aerospace provided services for the New Mexico Education Launch on May 2, an event sponsored by the NMSA and the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium. On August 4, UP Aerospace had a successful launch for Moog-FTS, and Saturday’s launch was the third. UP Aerospace first launched from Spaceport America in September 2006.

Currently under construction, Spaceport America is the world’s first purpose-built commercial space facility. Spaceport America has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, UP Aerospace, and Armadillo Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight. Spaceport America’s 10,000-foot long runway is now under construction and is expected to be complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.

Article Courtesy of Spaceport America

New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials announced a successful launch today for aerospace manufacturing company Moog-FTS at Spaceport America. The launch was a test of a ground-launched UAV prototype. All test objectives were met during the vehicle’s low altitude suborbital trajectory. The specially designed research and development vehicle was launched by UP Aerospace. “Moog-FTS is an important player in space research and manufacturing technology, and we are excited to be in a position to provide low-cost, fast-turnaround launch operations for their R&D projects,” said UP Aerospace President Jerry Larson.

This latest launch from Spaceport America demonstrates the versatility of UP Aerospace at Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport now under construction. NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene said, “This is another example of delivering on the unique capabilities of the commercial space sector. Major players in the space industry like Moog-FTS and other aerospace companies are increasingly becoming aware of the opportunities available at Spaceport America. I’m proud that we continue to set the standard for safe, low-cost commercial spaceflight.”

Progress at Spaceport America continues at a rapid pace. Road improvements to the spaceport are now complete, and after a successful groundbreaking ceremony in June, bids are being reviewed and awarded for various aspects of the construction. The latest Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Invitations to Bid (ITB) can be found online at http://www.spaceportamerica.com/. Spaceport America will have a 10,000-foot runway complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.The NMSA has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Lockheed Martin, UP Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties to develop commercial spaceflight.