It could be late 2017 before Virgin Galactic begins launching commercial space flights from the New Mexico desert, but state spaceport officials say they have a new master plan aimed at attracting tenants and boosting revenues.
The plan calls for building a new hangar at Spaceport America, developing the vertical launch area and offering about 300 acres for lease. Officials envision leasing parcels of various sizes to aerospace and other tech-related companies.
Spaceport Authority Executive Director Christine Anderson says the plan could generate more than $3.2 million a year in rent.
Anderson briefed lawmakers during a meeting in Santa Fe earlier this week.
Rep. Luciano "Lucky" Varela of Santa Fe said Friday he's still concerned about delays with Virgin Galactic and the ability of the spaceport to support itself financially.
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