By Mark V
The world’s first commercial space launch pad, the Virgin Galactic Gateway Spaceport, was recently opened in the southern part of New Mexico, attracting around 800 guests at the opening ceremony. Designed by the renowned United Kingdom-based Foster + Partners architects, the building is eco friendly; featuring a sustainable design that meets the LEED Gold requirements.
Others that contributed to this project were the URS Corporation and local New Mexico architects SMPC. The Virgin Galactic Gateway Spaceport is a 120,000 square foot building. The spaceport also includes a hangar and a visitor’s experience center. Some important figures attended the ceremony: Governor Susana Martinez, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Sir Richard Branson.
