Space tourism just got another big boost, and this time it's in Texas
Houston, Texas is already home to the Johnson Space Center, responsible for the famous Apollo program and every Space Shuttle mission.
Now, Texas' largest city will also be home to the tenth commercial spaceport in the United States.
Renderings for the project, shown here, are what officials hope the field will look like, once their goal of 80 private partnerships is fulfilled and the facility is constructed.
"Houston has been at the forefront of aviation history and innovation for decades," Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz said in a statement.
"Not only does this opportunity reinforce an already long-established connection with the aerospace industry, it offers Houston an opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a forward-looking city and leader in creating high-tech, next-generation type jobs." Houston Airport System
Ellington Airport, a general aviation field just south of Houston's central business district, will be home to the spaceport. It's abundant space for construction makes it an ideal location, officials said. Houston Airport System
Arturo Machuca, General Manager of Ellington Airport, the future home of Spaceport Houston, told Business Insider that agreements have already been secured with 5 companies. Machuca expects flights to begin taking off in 2016.
Houston Airport System
Now work begins on securing a Launch Site License from the FAA. This does not include vertical takeoffs, due to the fields proximity to urban areas, but it will allow for spaceflight from the airfield's two runways. Houston Airport System
"Now that we are officially the 10th commercial spaceport in the U.S. we are ready to work with our aerospace industry partners to take advantage of the unique location, infrastructure and human resources that the fourth largest city in the US has to offer."
Houston Airport System
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