New facilities belonging to space travel giant Virgin Galactic Holdings are expected to soon see construction in the southern New Mexico city of Truth or Consequences.
The company founded by billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson has announced that it wants to build new training facilities, as well as dining space and a wellness center that will be available for the exclusive use of Virgin Galactic astronauts.
The company has long been a presence in Truth or Consequences, with a 110,000 square foot terminal located on the 18,000-acre site of Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
The new facilities, which, according to reports, will also include an observatory, will be built on land Virgin Galactic has already purchased.
Announcement of the new facilities comes just weeks after the company signed a long-term lease for a new final assembly manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
According to a Virgin Galactic press release, the new Truth or Consequences facilities will emphasize “sustainability and minimal impact to the surrounding environment,” embracing water conservation and re-use, as well as eco-friendly building materials.
In a statement, Blair Rich, Virgin Galactic president, said the new facilities will allow astronauts to “stay and train here, along with their guests, for five nights.”
Conceptual design of the new facilities is already underway, although a schedule of when construction will begin has not yet been announced.
By Garry Boulard
