The Advertiser, a newspaper in Adelaide, Australia, reports in Saturday’s issue that Virgin Galactic will establish its second spaceport in Australia, most likely at Woomera, which will also be the home of Rocketplane Kistler’s K-1 orbital vehicle. Most of the details in the article aren’t that new, but what is interesting is the illustration that goes with the article. Captioned “An artist’s impression of the Woomera spaceport,” the image instead looks very much like the images Virgin Galactic and the state of
New Mexico released last year of what has come to be known as Spaceport America—right down to the Zia symbols on the sides of the odd domes that sprout like mushrooms from the desert floor. Somehow I don’t think facilities at a spaceport in South Australia are going to be emblazoned with the state symbol of New Mexico. Perhaps a revised photo and/or caption is in order?
Obviously, the artist hasn’t been anywhere near Woomera, cos it’s flat as a tack there. Ideal for watching things blow up.
Article in the Advertiser newspaper 28/12/06…
Woomera Space launch site delayed.
Construction of the proposed space launch site at Woomera in the State’s far north has been delayed because of design changes.
Rocketplane Kistler Australia chairman Alan Evans yesterday said work on the site was expected to begin in May.
“Things are a little behind but they are still on track,” he said.
“We will be working with the SA Government to try and identify as many of the local contractors and staff we can get (for the project).”
In August, the U.S.-based Kistler received a $272 million contract from NASA to launch rockets into space from Woomera.
[…] [A nod to Mark Evans, who flagged the article in a comment to a post last month about Woomera.] […]