UP Aerospace Agrees To 10-Year NM Spaceport Deal

Press Release: (Upham, NM) - UP Aerospace, Inc., the first company to launch a commercial payload at New Mexico’s Spaceport America, has jointly announced a Memorandum of Understanding for a ten-year agreement with the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) to make Spaceport America its home for spaceflight operations. Currently based out of Colorado, UP Aerospace, Inc. has already conducted several launches from Spaceport America.

Officials from UP Aerospace, Inc. believes that Spaceport America, the nation’s first purposebuilt commercial spaceport, is the ideal site from which to lead the next generation of aerospace advancement. "A long-term agreement makes perfect sense,"said company president Jerry Larson. "The commitment from New Mexico at all levels of government, as well as private companies and citizens has been very encouraging every step of the way."

NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene is excited about UP Aerospace, Inc. and the longterm commitment the company has made to Spaceport America. "UP Aerospace has already proven the value of Spaceport America to the aerospace industry, and they’re in a perfect position to enlarge their role," Landeene said. "With their ability to provide effective and reliable space access to various clients, UP Aerospace, Inc. is well-positioned for rapid growth in the near-term." Landeene said that the company is planning several launch operations through the second half of 2008.

Spaceport America offers many unique advantages, including restricted airspace, stable weather for year-round operations, beneficial elevation and dry, non-corrosive climate.

With continuing positive community support and ongoing commercial vertical launch activity, Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.