This week Congress passed the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004, which is designed to help promote the emerging commercial space flight industry by putting it on a more solid regulatory footing.

“Congress has now recognized what we in New Mexico have known for a long time- the commercial space launch industry is viable, and holds unlimited scientific and economic potential,” said Governor Richardson. “With our aggressive efforts to recruit companies and through initiatives such as the XPRIZE Cup and Public Spaceflight Exhibition, we are establishing New Mexico as a clear leader in this cutting-edge industry.”

H.R. 5382 establishes a process by which private citizens can pay to fly aboard spacecraft launched from locations in the U. S. such as the Southwest Regional Spaceport here in New Mexico. The bill also establishes a framework for flight safety analysis and regulatory requirements as the industry expands and develops over time.

“Champions for the development of the commercial space industry can celebrate another victory,” said Rick Homans, Economic Development Department Secretary. "It allows the public to become part of the visionary efforts to open the space frontier.”

The X PRIZE Cup and Public Spaceflight Exposition is a week-long annual event that will showcase the capabilities of Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) through competitive spacecraft races, as well as giving people the opportunity to experience space-related activities, such as anti-gravity flights. As the commercial space industry continues to grow, more opportunities for business development in the New Mexico aerospace sector will emerge.

Since the state was selected as the location for the X PRIZE event, communities throughout southern New Mexico, including Sierra, Otero, Dona Ana, and Chavez counties and officials from White Sands Missile Range have hosted numerous companies looking to relocate, or start space-related businesses in New Mexico.

“Passage of this bill marks another point in the evolution of a new era, allowing the development of space tourism and all the economic benefits that will come with that new industry. According to Homans, New Mexico’s will benefit from the host for the X PRIZE Cup include far-reaching benefits to several New Mexico’s economy, particularity in the areas of tourism, high technology R & D, and manufacturing.

“Through the timely leadership and direction of Governor Richardson, we will introduce legislation in the upcoming session to establish the New Mexico Spaceport Authority,” added Peter Mitchell, Director of the Office of Space Commercialization. “If passed, it will help us move forward as a leader in this industry.”