Spaceport Tax Dollars
Tax dollars from Spaceport America gross receipts tax (approved by Sierra County voters) have paid for
- 100 iPads at Hot Springs High, which are used for education and to take mandated tests that are given electronically
- scientific and graphing calculators for the math classes
- new equipment for the science labs including a microscope.
- STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) program created at HSHS
- Robotics programs created at the elementary, middle and high schools
- trips to locations as far away as San Francisco for events related to these projects
- participation in Student Launches at Spaceport America (see video from the 2011 launch below)
School Curriculum and Extra-Curricular Activities
Participating Sierra County Students
- are currently taught space-related courses by 2 dedicated teachers
- can enroll in a Payloads course at HSHS and get dual credit for high school & college
- may participate in STEM or Robotics programs
- have enjoyed remarkable access to the Spaceport facility including numerous virtual and physical tours and access to the professionals that operate the facility
- have been exposed to professionals from the New Mexico Space Authority, the International Symposium for Commercial Spaceflight, and NASA
- have met (virtually and in person) some of the “astronauts” (paid ticket purchasers) who have volunteered for outreach. Google Hangouts & Skype sessions have been conducted providing interaction & lessons
- have witnessed / participated in / sent payloads up at each and every vertical launch that’s occurred from 2009 to present
- have sent numerous experiments into suborbital space, including one related to algae & biodiesel fuel
- are one of the few educational groups that have had payloads included on NASA’s missions
- have traveled to Virgin Galactic events at Spaceport facility & in San Francisco as a result of their launch experience
- were included in the opening day of the Visitor Experience and given first exposure to the exhibits
- received a visit from NASA’s Exploration Experience Trailer
- were treated to a “top gun” pilot flyover by WhiteKnight Two and SpaceShip Two on Spaceport Grand Opening Day
- have been inspired to enroll in additional math and science classes to augment their studies
- have gone on to pursue college degrees in engineering & aerospace as a result of their exposure to Spaceport America
Future Benefits
Many projects are in the works including
- teachers are working (along with students) with the New Mexico Spaceport Authority and Virgin Galactic to offer educational stimuli and eventually mentorships to students
- teachers have been hired by Follow The Sun Tours (the official tour operators for visiting Spaceport America) as guides / “experts” to explain the various STEM exhibits
- teachers and students are working to get a student experiment on the International Space Station
Video from the 2011 Student Launch at Spaceport America:
