TUSTIN, Calif. - Virgin Galactic announced Tuesday that it has secured land to build an astronaut and campus facility to prepare civilians for commercial space travel.
The aerospace and space travel company said the astronaut campus will be located in Sierra County, New Mexico, near the company’s commercial operations headquarters, Spaceport America.
The company said the space will accommodate future astronauts and up to three of its guests ahead of their flight into space. RELATED: Virgin Galactic reopens spaceflight ticket salesThe campus will feature training facilities, an observatory, a wellness center, and recreation activities as well as dining options.
The company said buildings will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment with water conservation tools and re-use, eco-friendly materials.Sir Richard Branson speaks after touching the edge of space prior to the space plane successfully landing back on Earth. "At Virgin Galactic, the road to space begins in New Mexico, and we are proud to showcase the state as the launch point for our unique and unparalleled experience," Blair Rich, Virgin Galactic President & Chief Business Officer, Commercial and Consumer Operations, said in a news release. "Customers who buy a ticket today will stay and train here, along with their guests, for five nights.