Spaceport America, New Mexico. Courtesy photo

SPACEPORT AMERICA News:

Spaceport America has made the decision to postpone the 2022 Open House, which had been planned to be held April 10.

Spaceport America has been monitoring the National Weather Service for the past week. Weather warnings for high winds have forced the decision to postpone the April 10 event. The event was to include a “fly in” for a limited number of small aircraft, other static aircraft displays, and a view into the iconic Gateway to Space facility used my Virgin Galactic.

Numerous vendors and community organizations also were planning to participate. Unfortunately, the forecast wind speeds, and direction are not conducive to safe general aviation operations, shade tents, and will not allow a good experience for participants and guests.

“We are aware that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the visitors, but to the staff of Spaceport America and our customers who have been looking forward to sharing our activities and growth over the last two years,” Spaceport America Executive Director Scott McLaughlin said. “However, we are looking at dates in the fall, and will of course honor the registrations of those that planned to attend on Sunday. We are also working on creating more parking spaces, which will allow for more guests in the future.”

The Spaceport America Open House was due to be the final event of the Las Cruces Space Festival. Festival organizers have worked to find an alternative indoor venue for exhibitors due to participate at Spaceport America. STEAM activities provided by Spaceport America, Virgin Galactic, the New Mexico Museum of Space History and more will be at the Mesilla Valley Mall, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10 at 700 S. Telshor Blvd. in Las Cruces.