Spaceport America Goes to Market Enabling Low-Cost Access to Space

Spaceport America is Open for Business, Publishing its Five-Year Business Plan Today

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May 13, 2015, 02:01 ET

SPACEPORT AMERICA, N.M., May 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport, announced the publication of its go-to-market 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.

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

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SOURCE Spaceport America