Today’s successful launch of the UP Aerospace SpaceLoft XL rocket for the SL-3 Education launch is another successful step in developing the world’s first commercial spaceport. Spaceport America and the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium created history with this first annual Education Launch that provided New Mexico students the opportunity to design and launch scientific experiments into space.
“Today’s launch was an important step in delivering the promise of commercial space to the children of New Mexico,” said New Mexico Spaceport Authority Executive Director Steve Landeene. “We are proud to provide applied curriculum based learning for students from all over New Mexico. It was wonderful to be with the students as their experiments went to space.”
Pat Hynes, Director of the Space Grant Consortium, commented “Today’s launch culminates a semester long curriculum which delivered applied learning, workforce development and education. To my knowledge, this curriculum embedded program is a first of its kind and we plan to continue to develop this program to benefit our students.”
Landeene commented on the crowd that came out to watch the rocket launch. “The students and their families, the media, the volunteers, and all the other private citizens that came today to be a part of this event … they’ve experienced a lot of emotion, a bit of anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of adventure.” Landeene also said, “It was an honor to have so many distinguished members of the community and the State Legislature present to celebrate with the students and their accomplishments.”
For additional information and images of Spaceport America go to www.spaceportamerica.com or contact David Wilson at 575-640-8228 or email: dwilson@wilson-binkley.com
