FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spaceport America Goes to Market Enabling
Low-Cost Access to Space
Spaceport America is Open for Business, Publishing its FiveYear Business Plan Today
Spaceport America, N.M. – May 13, 2015 – Spaceport America, the world’s first
purpose-built commercial spaceport, announced the publication of its go-tomarket strategy and business plan today.
With construction winding down, Spaceport America is officially open for
business following today’s approval of a new go-to-market strategy and five-year
business plan by the New Mexico Spaceport Authority’s (NMSA) board of
directors. The plan was presented to the board by Spaceport America CEO
Christine Anderson.
Spaceport America’s go-to-market strategy leverages the geographic advantages
of southern New Mexico to reduce commercial aerospace program costs. The
advantages include a FAA-licensed launch-site with access to 6,000 square
miles of restricted airspace through collaboration with U.S. Army White Sands
Missile Range; low population density; 340-plus days of annual sunshine; low
humidity; and the nearly mile-high elevation and low latitude of the location. The
value proposition is complete when combined with Spaceport America’s flexible
fly/lease/build offering which enables commercial space companies to literally
design their own spaceport supported by 24/7 security, EMT and fire protection.
Additionally, the new business plan reflects the significant interest demonstrated
by both the aerospace and non-aerospace markets in associating their brand
with that of Spaceport America. The Spaceport America brand is rapidly
becoming synonymous with leading-edge innovation and exploration, pushing
the boundaries of human potential and fostering the democratization of space.
“The Spaceport America management team has delivered a robust go-to-market
strategy and revenue diversification plan,” explains Richard Holdridge, New
Mexico Spaceport Authority board chair. “New Mexico has made a significant
investment in the emerging commercial space industry and the expectations are
high for a Return On Investment (ROI). In fiscal year 2015, the ROI to the
statewide economy was approximately $9.5 million against the recurring
$460,000 the state invested in operating costs.”
In addition to customer satisfaction and economic stimulus, one of three strategic
goals within the Spaceport America five-year strategy is to inspire and prepare
the next generation for a future in commercial spaceflight. Educational outreach
at Spaceport America is outlined in the plan, and although this is a non-revenue
generating activity, it remains a key pillar for the agency which already supports
virtual classrooms, lesson plans, student launches and field trip activities all
designed to support education in Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM).
“Spaceport America is enabling low-cost access to space for people who want to
change the world,” said Christine Anderson CEO Spaceport America. “In parallel
with its core aerospace business activities, Spaceport America is rolling out a
diverse portfolio of non-aerospace revenue streams designed around the brand
attributes people associate with the promise of commercial space, while
providing economic stimulus for New Mexico and STEM education for future
generations.”
Spaceport America will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Space Tech Expo in
Long Beach, CA alongside the New Mexico Partnership, NM State’s economic
development agency, from May 19 – 21, 2015 - booth number 2000.
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About Spaceport America
Spaceport America is the first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world.
The FAA licensed launch complex, situated on 18,000 acres adjacent to the U.S.
Army White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico, boasts 6,000 square
miles of restricted airspace, low population density, a 12,000 foot spaceway and
340-plus days of sunshine and low humidity. Spaceport America has hosted 23
vertical launches thus far and continues to work closely with its tenants, Virgin
Galactic and SpaceX, and its other flight customers in support of the commercial
space industry. For more information: http://spaceportamerica.com/press-center/
and follow us on Twitter: @Spaceport_NM
Media Contact:
David Wilson+1.575.640.8228
dwilson@zianet.com