Sir Richard Branson Reveals the World’s First Commercial Spaceport

Sir Richard Branson's passion for bringing space tourism to the masses is no ordinary feat. The Daily Mail reports that the British billionaire and Virgin CEO is inching closer to achieving his goal with the unveiling of the world's first commercial spaceport, Spaceport America.

Branson was on hand for the presentation of the new nearly two-mile-long landing, which is located 45 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He hopes that planes will set off to explore the galaxy beginning in nine to 18 months and that he will be one of the very first passengers.

"Today is very personal, as our dream becomes more real. People are beginning to believe now," Branson said.

The new spaceport's lofty design is expected to accommodate all types of aircraft in the world as well as daily space tourism. Once everything is set in motion, tickets for a 2 and 1/2 hour flight are said to cost $200,000.

Check out ITN's coverage of the event:

Do you want to set out into outer space with Sir Richard Branson?

by MacKenzie Wilson