Spaceport America Tourist Attractions

Our next Earth Rise Service mission will launch out of Spaceport America, New Mexico.  If you’re traveling to New Mexico -- “The Land of Enchantment” -- to view the liftoff in person, consider visiting some of the many tourist attractions near Spaceport America. [caption id="attachment_2007" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The "Gateway to Space" terminal/hangar at Spaceport America. Image Credit: Pinterest.com[/caption] First, join us on our tour of Spaceport America on "L-1," the day prior to liftoff. We'll tour mission control and the launch pad where you can see the UP Aerospace launch vehicle that will carry your loved one into space. We'll then drive to the futuristic "Gateway to Space" terminal/hangar where space tourists will board Virgin Galactic spacecraft. [caption id="attachment_2006" align="aligncenter" width="560"] One of the famous hot springs in Truth or Consequences. Image Credit: Pinterest.com[/caption] We recommend a visit to one of the area's famous hot springs, which have a reputation as ancient healing remedies, in nearby Truth or Consequences.  In fact, the city of Truth or Consequences was originally named "Hot Springs." Another must-see is the outdoor display at the White Sands Missile Range Museum of over 50 rockets and missiles that were tested at the U.S. government's famous White Sands Missile Range.  White Sands is the U.S.' largest overland military test range.  It was at White Sands' "Trinity Site" that the world's first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945. [caption id="attachment_841" align="alignleft" width="300"] The White Sands National Monument[/caption] White Sands National Monument is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, dunes have engulfed 275 square miles of desert creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Monument preserves this dunefield, along with the plants and animals that have adapted to its constantly changing environment. Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses the largest and most popular lake in New Mexico, and provides camping, boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and bird watching. Southern New Mexico’s mild climate makes this park a popular year-round destination. [caption id="attachment_212" align="alignleft" width="200"] Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History and learn about the pioneering rocket research Robert Goddard conducted in New Mexico.[/caption] We also recommend making the roughly two-hour drive to Alamogordo for a visit to the New Mexico Museum of Space History.  The museum stresses the significant role that the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. space program.   For example, Robert Goddard, the father of American rocketry, conducted much of his pioneering aerospace research in New Mexico.  Visit the museum to learn more about Goddard's work, and to see the museum's many fascinating space history artifacts on display. For more tourist information, visit the websites of the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce, the Truth or Consequences Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra County New Mexico Recreation and Tourism Board, the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the New Mexico Department of Tourism.

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