In attendance was Virgin Galactic president Will Whitehorn, whom I met and shared a cup of tea (not Rington's I may hasten to add) on his visit to Lossie last year.
The New Mexico spaceport development initiates construction on a cutting-edge, 110,000-plus square foot-facility using cost-effective, energy-efficient green building practices.
Spaceport America's terminal hangar facility will be built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system. Extensive use of sustainable and clean energy technology throughout the design will ensure that the spaceport will set the standard for environmentally sound design for similar structures in the future.
The design for Spaceport America's terminal hangar facility was created by a team of American and British architects that were selected after competing in an international design competition. URS Corporation, one of the world's largest design and engineering firms, teamed with lead designer Foster Partners of the United Kingdom to submit the winning design.
Is it any coincidence that Foster Partners have been in Lossiemouth recently ? My reliable sources have informed me of several visits to date. For Lossiemouth to become the UK's first spaceport would have a huge significance for the economy of Scotland and particularly for Moray and the Highland area.
It's not simply the big boost for tourism, or the opportunities for hi-tech supplies and services. It's the increase in property prices and rentals that would see them take an intergalactic hike !
The spirit of exploration and adventure that's taken shape in the sunshine of the Californian desert at Mojave, could be on its way to this small Moray town sooner than we think. Time to start building up that portfolio ?
Roger and out,
Mr Jackson.
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