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.

Working together with Spaceport America and the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium, this first annual Education Launch will provide New Mexico students the opportunity to launch scientific experiments they designed and built into space. Although the education launch is open to the public, space is limited, so NMSA officials wanted to find a way to make the launch accessible worldwide. “It’s important that anyone who shares in the dream of commercial spaceflight can witness this historic launch,” said New Mexico Spaceport Authority Executive Director Steve Landeene.

Pat Hynes, Director of the Space Grant Consortium, commented, “The webcast will build awareness as to the type of applied learning and workforce development that is available here in New Mexico.”

Along with being the nation’s first purpose-built commercial space port, Spaceport America is dedicated to helping promote the study of aerospace-related science and technology among New Mexico students. The NMSA plans to break ground for Spaceport America in June 2009. Spaceport America has been working with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, UP Aerospace, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties.