Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Grasshopper VTVL reusable first-stage demonstrator

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) will soon move its VTVL reusable first-stage demonstrator, Grasshopper, to Spaceport New Mexico for further testing.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez announced that SpaceX has signed a three-year agreement to lease land and facilities at Spaceport America for the next phase of flight testing.

“I am thrilled that SpaceX has chosen to make New Mexico its home, bringing their revolutionary Grasshopper rocket and new jobs with them,” Governor Martinez said today. “We’ve done a lot of work to level the playing field so we can compete in the space industry. This is just the first step in broadening the base out at the Spaceport and securing even more tenants. I’m proud to welcome SpaceX to New Mexico.”

SpaceX has completed its first series of successful, low-altitude tests of the Grasshopper vehicle in McGregor, Texas.

SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell said, “Spaceport America offers us the physical and regulatory landscape needed to complete the next phase of Grasshopper testing. We are pleased to expand our reusable rocket development infrastructure to New Mexico.”

Christine Anderson, the NMSA Executive Director, said, “We are excited that SpaceX is coming to Spaceport America, where our first-class service will empower them to focus their full attention on their mission.”

Written by Astro1 on May 7th, 2013 , Spaceports, SpaceX

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