Unity 22 launch could change the future of space exploration and economy of New Mexico – KOAT New Mexico

Sunday Unity 22 will launch a full crew for the first time into space at Spaceport America. The launch was originally scheduled for 7 a.m., but was pushed back by 90 minutes due to overnight weather at Spaceport America. The updated launch time is now at 8:30 a.m..The flight has been years in the making for Virgin Group CEO Sir Richard Branson and the state of New Mexico. Going to space has been a lifelong dream for Sir Richard Branson. "We've had 800 engineers working for 17 years. They now have ticked every single box and now we're ready for ourselves to go, said Branson. On Sunday morning that dream will be met, as Unity 22 will launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico. "It makes me feel very excited and honored for New Mexico, for New Mexico's economy, for space tourism," said Bill Richardson, former governor of New Mexico. Richardson worked with Branson to lay the foundation for Spaceport America, the first step in making this launch possible. The partnership is now bringing the space tourism market to the Land of Enchantment. "It's going to be a lot of jobs for those little counties around the spaceport. Sierra County, Dona Anna County, Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences," said Richardson. An industry the state of New Mexico estimates can bring in around 8 billion dollars by the year 2030. "This was a gamble. We had a budget surplus and I wanted to plan for the future. And I said, well, this better work. Branson came through, the New Mexico legislature came through. We took a risk and now it's paying off," said Richardson. It's a risk that could help the economy of New Mexico boom and achieve the dreams of a visionary. "I've had to wait almost a lifetime to be able to go into space. Hopefully we can speed that process up for many, many others," said Branson. Former Gov. Bill Richardson will not be attending the launch Sunday. Instead he is in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend to watch Carlos Condit, his former chief of staffs son, fight in the UFC.

Sunday Unity 22 will launch a full crew for the first time into space at Spaceport America.

The launch was originally scheduled for 7 a.m., but was pushed back by 90 minutes due to overnight weather at Spaceport America. The updated launch time is now at 8:30 a.m..

The flight has been years in the making for Virgin Group CEO Sir Richard Branson and the state of New Mexico.

Going to space has been a lifelong dream for Sir Richard Branson.

"We've had 800 engineers working for 17 years. They now have ticked every single box and now we're ready for ourselves to go, said Branson.

On Sunday morning that dream will be met, as Unity 22 will launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico.

"It makes me feel very excited and honored for New Mexico, for New Mexico's economy, for space tourism," said Bill Richardson, former governor of New Mexico.

Richardson worked with Branson to lay the foundation for Spaceport America, the first step in making this launch possible. The partnership is now bringing the space tourism market to the Land of Enchantment.

"It's going to be a lot of jobs for those little counties around the spaceport. Sierra County, Dona Anna County, Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences," said Richardson.

An industry the state of New Mexico estimates can bring in around 8 billion dollars by the year 2030.

"This was a gamble. We had a budget surplus and I wanted to plan for the future. And I said, well, this better work. Branson came through, the New Mexico legislature came through. We took a risk and now it's paying off," said Richardson.

It's a risk that could help the economy of New Mexico boom and achieve the dreams of a visionary.

"I've had to wait almost a lifetime to be able to go into space. Hopefully we can speed that process up for many, many others," said Branson.

Former Gov. Bill Richardson will not be attending the launch Sunday.

Instead he is in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend to watch Carlos Condit, his former chief of staffs son, fight in the UFC.

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Unity 22 launch could change the future of space exploration and economy of New Mexico - KOAT New Mexico