Soliciting public input for growth opportunities in New Mexico’s aerospace industry.
(September 25, 2023; Las Cruces, NM) RS&H will host the first of two public meetings for the Spaceport America Master Plan project that was initiated by New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA). The first public meeting to solicit citizen input on the future of Spaceport America is being held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 5:30 -7 p.m. (MT) at Las Cruces City Hall, City Council Chambers, 700 North Main Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88001. Public input will be heard after a project presentation. No outside food or drinks/refreshments are allowed in Chambers.
NMSA sponsored the Spaceport America Master Plan study to evaluate future spaceport: operations by space, aviation, and other industries; evolving market and use-case trends; national security space requirements and operations; public and private investment trends; launch vehicles evolution, frequency of flights, potential payloads, and propellant storage; and regulatory trends. Based on these factors and public input, the master plan will produce development options for the spaceport over a ten-year time frame.
Public input during the meeting is encouraged. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation by the project team to include an overview of the project approach and schedule, a review of the statutory mission of Spaceport America, and a summary of the estimated economic impact of the spaceport. The remainder of the meeting will be open to live comments about the future of Spaceport America and what citizens would like to see achieved from the spaceport’s operations. The initial topics for public input include: “is NMSA achieving their current statutory mission”; what is the public perception of the strengths and challenges for the spaceport; and what are the opportunities and threats for the spaceport in the future.
Public input on each topic will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. A signup sheet for comments will be available at the venue. Comments may also be submitted in writing at the public meeting or emailed to SA-MP-Comments@rsandh.com .
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
In May 2023, NMSA announced that RS&H will lead a yearlong effort to produce a market-driven master planning effort for Spaceport America. RS&H is joined by Populous, Inc. of Kansas City, MO, and ZIA Engineering & Environmental Consultants, LLC of Las Cruces, NM in the performance of this effort. RS&H is launching an outreach campaign for key stakeholders and the public to develop the master plan and identify opportunities for growth in New Mexico’s aerospace industry and others that may benefit from the unique characteristics of the spaceport and the community. Public involvement will help define the best path ahead for Spaceport America through a “needs and wants” assessment.
ABOUT RS&H, INC.:
RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or rsandh.com .
ABOUT SPACEPORT AMERICA:
Spaceport America is the first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world. The FAA-licensed launch complex is situated on 18,000 acres adjacent to the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. It has a rocket friendly environment of 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace, low population density, a 12,000-foot by 200-foot runway, and vertical launch complexes. Since 1995, Spaceport America has provided the aerospace industry with access to restricted airspace for testing and training activities.