Gov Perry Lands Xcor Aerospace In Texas

Texas Gov. Rick Perry joined XCOR Aerospace and the MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT CORP. to announce the creation of XCOR's new Commercial Space Research and Development Center headquarters at the Midland International Airport. XCOR develops and produces reusable launch vehicles, rocket engines and rocket propulsion systems, and will create 100 jobs at this new facility [XCOR].

"This is a great day for Midland and a huge step forward for the State of Texas. Visionary companies, like XCOR, continue to choose Texas because they know that innovation is fueled by freedom," GOV. PERRY SAID IN HIS SPEECH. "Whether on the cutting edge of biotech, communications, commerce or privatized efforts to serve the needs of the next generation of space explorers, you can find Texas at the forefront of the movement."

"You have great flying weather out here. You have a beautiful down range place for us to fly over where we are not putting people at risk. You have a very welcoming business climate," Jeff Greason, President and CEO of XCOR AEROSPACE told "NEWSWEST 9". "Texas is among the states that have adopted an "informed consent" for human spaceflight.

The City of Midland is applying to the FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) for a Commercial Space Launch Site (SPACEPORT) designation for MAF, an estimated 12 to 18 months process. Upon completion of the licensing process and the hangar renovation, the XCOR presence will begin to ramp up. The application process will likely last 12 to 18 months, but once licenses have been approved, and the airport hangar is fully renovated, XCOR is expected to boost its activities in Texas.

XCOR recently announced it is aiming to begin operational LYNX SPACECRAFT flights from CALIFORNIA'S MOJAVE AIR AND SPACE PORT in 2013, and flights from another new spaceport on the tiny CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF CURACAO the following year.

Reference: greys-area.blogspot.com