Channel: Verge Science

Category: Science & Technology

Tags: space porteducationastronautsrocketdangerousissthe vergesetbacksspaceport americaspacespace startuptruth or consequencesastronautspace travelinginternational space stationexperimentstartuploren grushverge sciencespace travelspacexelon muskscience experimentsventurespace stationcitizen travelvirgin galacticnasa newsnasaspace touristspace newsspaceportdelaysscienceuniverserisktouristsnew mexicoriskygatewayspace craft

Description: In the middle of the New Mexico desert lies Spaceport America, a glittering, alien structure advertised as the very first purpose-built commercial spaceport. It’s home to Virgin Galactic, a space startup that promises to send tourists into orbit as early as next year. But even if that milestone happens, it will follow years of delays, setbacks, and even tragedy. Local residents in the nearby town of Truth or Consequences were told to expect big things when New Mexico joined the private space economy, but many now wonder if the dream of a space industry will ever materialize. Read more: bit.ly/2soBFwh Subscribe: bit.ly/2FqJZMl Like Verge Science on Facebook: bit.ly/2hoSukO Follow on Twitter: bit.ly/2Kr29B9 Follow on Instagram: goo.gl/7ZeLvX Read More: theverge.com Community guidelines: bit.ly/2D0hlAv Subscribe to Verge on YouTube for explainers, product reviews, technology news, and more: goo.gl/G5RXGs