Officials of New Mexico's Spaceport Authority were grilled by lawmakers about the now vacant Spaceport America following the deadly crash of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo last Oct. 31.

The spaceport was built as a hub for commercial space flights. Its immediate future is uncertain since Virgin Galactic has indefinitely pushed back the launch date of its space tourism flights.

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Spaceport executive director Christine Anderson said the Spaceport is in need of diversification and should explore other options such as renting out the facility for public concerts and video shoots. The facility has been described as photogenic as has been featured in seven advertisements.

Anderson also wants to attract new businesses to keep the Spaceport in regular operations.

Members of the New Mexico House of Representatives, however, weren't impressed by Anderson's plans. Committee Vice-Chairwoman Patricia Lundstrom said she's disappointed because the six pictures shown by Anderson aren't enough reason to keep the spaceport functioning. She wants hard numbers that prove the spaceport is a worthy investment.

To date, Spaceport America has lost US$1.7 million from lost user fees originating from Virgin Galactic delays. The numbers will rise even more if the delays are prolonged.

Anderson pleaded with the committee that US$4.5 million will be needed to counter the deficit and build a new hangar. Spaceport board chairman Richard Holdridge said the board is negotiating with seven prospective tenants but declined to identify them.

Holdridge is confident the spaceport will secure at least one new tenant during the next fiscal year.

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