Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Spaceport America by Foster + Partners



Foster + Partners have completed the world’s first space terminal for tourists in New Mexico. Flying displays by Virgin Galactic space vehicles WhiteKnightTwoand SpaceShipTwo marked the opening of Spaceport America.

The low-rise building is dug into the landscape beside the El Camino Real road and is entered through a cleft between the two wings. Full-height glazing wraps around the end of the building, facing onto the runway beyond.

The spaceport hangar is located in the centre of the building, with administrative areas to the west and flight training and preparation areas to the east. The project was designed in collaboration with New Mexico architects SMPC and project manager URS Corporation. Operators Virgin Galactic are currently running a test flight programme.

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