Virgin Galactic gives boost to Abu Dhabi spaceport plan

Virgin Galactic plans to make its inaugural commercial space flight some time this year, providing a massive boost to plans to locate a 21st-century spaceport in Abu Dhabi.

 

"Depending on the progress of the last portion of the experimental test flight programme and the federal aviation authority licensing process we hope to be undertaking full space test flights by the end of 2013 and in commercial operations within a relatively short period thereafter," says Sean Wilson, a Virgin Galactic spokeswoman.

According to Virgin Galactic, which is in negotiations with "appropriate Abu Dhabi entities" regarding the construction of a spaceport, the emirate stands to make huge gains from the location of the company's second spaceport in Abu Dhabi.

"Abu Dhabi would have the potential to become a globally recognised and respected regional centre for the new commercial space industry," says Ms Wilson.

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