July 19th, 2009. A date that will forever change the way we view space flight. In the arid desert just west of the mountain range that defines the western border of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, a group of about 420 space enthusiasts, press and dignitaries gather to witness an historic event. The ground breaking of the first commercial Spaceport on planet earth, Spaceport America was about to take place. With all eyes focused across the desert sands and brush, bright metallic figures approach from the not too distant east as spine chilling music played. Conquistadors! The first explorers to discover this great land called New Mexico approached. Commemorating the true spirit of exploration, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson among other distinguished dignitaries remember the legacy of spaceflight in its early beginnings just a short distance away. The first picture of planet earth from space was taken from a V2 rocket launched just a few miles away. A historic letter found in the New Mexico government archives was presented by Governor Richardson on behalf of this great state to Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic. This letter written by Governor jack Campbell in the early 1960’s and addressed to President John F. Kennedy stated; Dear President Kennedy. In light of this historic event, this great nation has now found its way to space. This is a true beginning that someday will evolve into commercial space transportation of people and cargo to space. Please consider the great state of New Mexico as that place where commercial space transportation should begin. This great visionary and the people of planet earth have now witnessed this dream come to pass. As each rocketeer scooped the desert sand and placed it in a small capsule, preparations were made to load the sand on to a rocket which ultimately closed the ceremony as it was launched toward space. Planet earth has now entered a new era in space travel and the sky is no longer the limit and commercial space is no longer a dream. It’s reality!
Lee Jones
Space Ambassador Program Director
