UPHAM, N.M.—A Colorado-based aerospace company partnered with Lockheed Martin to successfully launch a test flight rocket from New Mexico’s commercial spaceport on Tuesday.
UP Aerospace president Jerry Larson said the flight demonstrated a “low-cost, fast-turnaround launch operation.” The company, based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., was the first to launch a suborbital rocket from the New Mexico site in April 2007.
A news release from the New Mexico Spaceport Authority said the rocket lifted off at 7 a.m. but the flight wasn’t publicized until mid-afternoon because Lockheed Martin is testing undisclosed proprietary technologies.
Spaceport director Steve Landeene said UP Aerospace is continuing to show the benefits of the New Mexico site, billed as the world’s first purpose-built commercial space facility.
