Jesse James
The good folks over at Virgin Galactic have dreams that many of us consider out of this world. Well, for the naysayers, the company has taken a massive step towards their lofty goals. The company has just unveiled its “Gateway to Space” commercial spaceport. The massive 670,000 sq-ft facility sits on 18,000 acres of State Trust Land in New Mexico. The “Gateway to Space” will be the departure site for all future astronauts that sign up for Virgin Galactic’s spaceflight services. Foster + Partners designed the structure.
The “Gateway to Space” is a two-story structure that features the Gaia lounge for departure and returns. Here we see a bevy of modern furniture and elements to promote human interaction. The second floor, Cirrus, is where the operations take place. This area features a sterile look, meaning to compliment the story of space travel. The Gaia is host to earthy tones, while the Cirrus’ white and gray shades represent the clouds and the sky. The facility comes outfitted with the latest technology.
The highly energy-efficient design promotes sustainability, as well. The spaceport is the first of its kind, and it could just be the future of travel as we know it. Take a look at the “Gateway to Space” in the images below and head over to Virgin Galactic to find out more. The company is aiming to be fully operational with an initial launch in 2020. Stay tuned.
Photos via Virgin Galactic
