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First-Ever Private Spaceport Nears Final Approval

Posted by simoniker on from the just-like-the-jetsons dept.

bobhagopian writes "According to the article on Space.com, the Federal Aviation Administration is nearing the final stages of certifying the Mojave Airport as the first-ever private spaceport. Both Scaled Composites and XCOR Aerospace (the two leading competitors in the X-Prize competition) currently fly out of Mojave Airport. The approval of a commercial spaceport will certainly facilitate the creation of even more private-sector space technologies."

23 of 231 comments (clear)

  1. But before launch... by Bingo+Foo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Make sure you deactivate the Excelsior's Trans-Warp Drive.

    --
    taken! (by Davidleeroth) Thanks Bingo Foo!
  2. Now by supe · · Score: 5, Funny

    There will finally be a place for *visitors* to land
    and visit!

    1. Re:Now by cebarro · · Score: 4, Funny

      Just what we need. Said visitors land, disembark, and are immediately hit with advertising and ushered into a starbucks....

  3. Alien Landing Authority by DaHat · · Score: 3, Funny

    Does this mean that ET will not need government approval to set down at this space port?

    --
    Help Brendan pay off his student loans
    1. Re:Alien Landing Authority by tds67 · · Score: 3, Funny
      Does this mean that ET will not need government approval to set down at this space port?

      Finally, a reduction in illegal aliens!

    2. Re:Alien Landing Authority by DrEldarion · · Score: 4, Funny

      No, but it's commercial so he will have to find some way to pay. Maybe he can bring along some three-breasted aliens like the one from Total Recall...

    3. Re:Alien Landing Authority by MachDelta · · Score: 3, Funny
      Dude, you know that middle one was paper mache, right?
      And the other two were silicon. So who cares?! ;)
  4. So does this mean... by macshune · · Score: 5, Funny

    That they'll change all the signs to the Mojave Airport to the Mojave Spaceport? That would be really cool and I bet those signs 'll disappear every week or so:)

    1. Re:So does this mean... by stuktongue · · Score: 5, Funny

      "Mojave Spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive...." :-)

    2. Re:So does this mean... by Jaysyn · · Score: 4, Funny

      Cause, "Jezus it's fucking hot on this tarmac" wouldn't fit on a sign.

      Jaysyn

      --
      There is a war going on for your mind.
    3. Re:So does this mean... by tubbtubb · · Score: 4, Funny

      Will Han shoot first in this one?

  5. location location location by proj_2501 · · Score: 5, Funny

    is mojave a proper locale for a wretched hive of scum and villainy?

    1. Re:location location location by OldManAndTheC++ · · Score: 5, Funny
      is mojave a proper locale for a wretched hive of scum and villainy?

      You must be thinking of Bakersfield ...

      --
      Soylent Green is peoplicious!
  6. $Bling$Bling$? by neuro.slug · · Score: 4, Funny

    Great... now rappers won't be content with having their own armada of Escalades... the only question is: How does one attach 24s to a shuttle?

    -- n

  7. Government Issued ID? by kmankmankman2001 · · Score: 5, Funny

    But when the aliens land there, how will Homeland Security be able to verify the required government issued ID?

    Probably not a real issue; once aliens sample what passes for food in an Earth airport, err, I mean SPACEport the word will travel quickly and they will all stop coming.

    --
    "The bigger the lie, the more they believe." - Det. Bunk
  8. Re:There's just one small problem by nizo · · Score: 3, Funny
    No one has won the X-Prize yet. If they aren't going into space yet, isn't calling where they're flying from a "spaceport" a bit premature?

    Ahh, but once they do make it into space, they won't have to change all the signs/business cards/etc. Saves time and money!

    --
    I Am My Own Worst Enemy
  9. New Sig, anyone by SoSueMe · · Score: 5, Funny

    Space is big. Space is dark. Now we have a place to park

  10. Considering that the large number of ... by burgburgburg · · Score: 3, Funny
    Tusken Raiders in the vicinity tend to stay far enough away, I'd say the location is servicable. There are also a pool of Huttese looking to invest in spice trading opportunities and other diversions.

    And a close Sarlac pit.

    1. Re:Considering that the large number of ... by the+gnat · · Score: 4, Funny

      And a close Sarlac pit.

      Those of us in northern California have also been known to refer to it as "Los Angeles".

  11. Re:How to keep the signs up. by Kenja · · Score: 4, Funny
    "Print notice on the back of the ones on the road that reasonably-priced souvenirs are available at the office or by mail-order at (x) for ($y)"

    What a great idea, people would never take something for free when they can just buy it someplace else!

    --

    "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
  12. Are there discount rates for long-term parking?... by Sir-Techlot · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... a mission to Mars could be bit pricy for a car owner.

  13. Re:What are they going to do? by John+Hurliman · · Score: 3, Funny

    According to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, we can launch hyrdoponics labs that will feed the nation, energy collecting solar satellites, and a missile defense system.

    Who said computer games never taught you anything!

  14. That hardly qualifies as an airport. by douglips · · Score: 4, Funny
    The description reads like Jeff Foxworthy: "You might be a redneck if your airport has..."

    Surface: dirt, in poor condition
    ROUGH; DEBRIS FULL LENGTH OF RY; BROKEN BOTTLES & FIREWORKS DEBRIS.
    Runway edge markings: /22 MARKED WITH +10 FT STEEP DROP OFF SIGNS AT BOTH ENDS.
    • RY SOFT WHEN WET. DEEP RUTS & TALL GRASS FULL LENGTH OF RY.
    • ARPT ON TOP OF MOUNTAIN; LAND DESCENDS VERY STEEPLY FROM RWY ENDS.
    • NO LINE OF SIGHT BTN RWY ENDS.
    • NO SNOW REMOVAL AVAILABLE.
    • CAUTION RADIO CTLD MODEL ACFT OPERATION N SIDE OF RWY.
    --
    My amazing wife - Artist, Author, Philosopher - Laurie M