Space travel research was supported in New Mexico for most of the twentieth century by a variety of private individuals and organizations as well as federal agencies and state and local government entities. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the momentum of that support produced Spaceport America.
In 2005, as Governor Bill Richardson prepared to ask the state legislature for funds to build the spaceport, he said, "Development of this private industry in New Mexico will allow NASA and other international government space agencies to focus their efforts on exploring the further reaches of space, including manned travel to Mars and beyond."
Loretta Hall's new book tells the stories---human and technological---of space research in New Mexico that brought this country from the earliest liquid-fuel rockets to the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. From 1930 to 2010: Out of this World in 80 Years.
This website introduces you to Loretta and her latest book, and offers additional insights to the people and events that have made New Mexico a vital resource in the development of space travel.
In 2005, as Governor Bill Richardson prepared to ask the state legislature for funds to build the spaceport, he said, "Development of this private industry in New Mexico will allow NASA and other international government space agencies to focus their efforts on exploring the further reaches of space, including manned travel to Mars and beyond."
Loretta Hall's new book tells the stories---human and technological---of space research in New Mexico that brought this country from the earliest liquid-fuel rockets to the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. From 1930 to 2010: Out of this World in 80 Years.
This website introduces you to Loretta and her latest book, and offers additional insights to the people and events that have made New Mexico a vital resource in the development of space travel.
Photo Credits
Robert Goddard towing one of his rockets to the launch site near Roswell about 1931, courtesy of NASA.
WhiteKnightTwo carrying SpaceShipTwo at Spaceport America runway dedication flyover, photo by Loretta Hall.
Robert Goddard towing one of his rockets to the launch site near Roswell about 1931, courtesy of NASA.
WhiteKnightTwo carrying SpaceShipTwo at Spaceport America runway dedication flyover, photo by Loretta Hall.
Unless otherwise credited, all material on this site is © Loretta Hall 2010-2013.
New Mexico's Role
in Space History
in Space History
Out of this World was named Best New Mexico Book in the 2011 New Mexico Book Awards.