Space Business Commits To Spaceport, Education

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, (Spaceport America) –Microgravity Enterprises, Inc., a commercial space development company located in Albuquerque, NM that is focused on affordable rocket flight for commercial and educational purposes, has made a commitment to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) to designate Spaceport America their primary base of operations. Microgravity Enterprises, Inc., joins other companies in recent weeks that have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NMSA to operate from the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, planned for construction in Southern New Mexico.

Microgravity Enterprises, Inc., (MEI) has conducted several flights from Spaceport America already, flying special commercial ingredients into space for use in consumer products available at a wide variety of retail stores. According to MEI Vice President Linda Strine, the company’s unique benefit is the ability to provide space services to people without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. In the near future, MEI’s business plan includes space-based production and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and special materials.

“We have similar dreams and goals as the other space entrepreneurs out there,” said Strine. “But in addition to having already established a successful business model, we are committed to opening up space to the classroom.” MEI has set up the ACCESS for Education Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that launches the experiments of students from kindergarten through college at no charge. Every time one of their commercial rockets is launched into space, MEI hosts 12 to 15 student experiments as well.

NMSA Execute Director Steve Landeene is excited about the growing interest in Spaceport America from companies across the world. “More and more companies are establishing MOUs with the state, making commitments to make Spaceport America as their base of operations. This project is a reality, and proves that commercial space is the next big thing,” Landeene said.

MEI currently produces space-themed products using ingredients that have been launched and recovered from space. MEI makes an energy drink called AntimatterTM, purified water called Space2OTM, and the world’s first space beer, Comet’s TailTM Amber Ale. “We fly vitamin complex for AntimatterTM, electrolytes for Space2OTM, and special yeast for Comet’s TailTM Amber Ale,” said Darryl Hupfer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MEI.

According to Landeene, spaceport planning and design work is nearly complete, and the first bid package for construction work is being prepared for release. Construction on the Spaceport can begin once the NMSA receives their site operator’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with completion currently planned for some time in the year 2010. Independent studies have forecast the future of Spaceport America positively, with projections for 2250 jobs and $1 billion in economic activity within the first five years. With continuing commitments from the commercial sectors and positive community support, Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.

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