Space Virgins

In the near future, when Rush Limbaugh rails against all the aliens in New Mexico, he might be talking about the little green kind.

Backed by $200 million in funding, Spaceport America broke ground last weekend in Upham, New Mexico. While no one knows if they were trying to upset X-Files fans by building it so far from Roswell, the station will be the hub for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was on hand for the celebration, was clearly happy to see the world's first commercial spaceport come to his state.

"New Mexicans have stepped up to the plate by making this investment," Gov. Richardson said. "This groundbreaking ceremony is an important step toward our goal of being at the forefront of a vibrant, new commercial space industry."

Ever the adventurer, Branson launched Virgin Galactic five years ago and made sure the station utilized all the latest in green technologies to achieve L.E.E.D. certification. The designs already include earth-tubes to pre-condition the air, solar panels on the roof and an embedded in-floor loop system (see illustration for more information).

Branson says 45,000 people from 120 nations already signed up to take one of their trips 50,000 feet into space at a cost of about $200,000 ride. The maiden flights are expected to launch next year.

Says the Spaceport America website, "When it comes to outer space, New Mexico is bringing it down to earth!"

Happy UFO Day, everyone — and you too, Gov. Richardson.