New Mexico Space News
New Mexico Space News
January 8, 2026: The high-speed aircraft manufacturer Hermeus transferred development of its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 to Spaceport America. Next steps will include reintegration of the tail and wings to the fuselage, ground operations and system checks, engine ground runs, taxi tests, and then preparation for first flight. Quarterhorse Mk 2 is designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight and will enable both "high-cadence hypersonic flight test and novel operational defense capabilities."
UPDATE: February 27, 2026: The Mk 2.1 flew for the first time, taking advantage of the 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace above White Sands Missile Range, adjacent to Spaceport America.
UPDATE: February 27, 2026: The Mk 2.1 flew for the first time, taking advantage of the 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace above White Sands Missile Range, adjacent to Spaceport America.
January 8, 2026: The high-speed aircraft manufacturer Hermeus transferred development of its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 to Spaceport America. Next steps will include reintegration of the tail and wings to the fuselage, ground operations and system checks, engine ground runs, taxi tests, and then preparation for first flight. Quarterhorse Mk 2 is designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight and will enable both "high-cadence hypersonic flight test and novel operational defense capabilities."
UPDATE: February 27, 2026: The Mk 2.1 flew for the first time, taking advantage of the 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace above White Sands Missile Range, adjacent to Spaceport America.
UPDATE: February 27, 2026: The Mk 2.1 flew for the first time, taking advantage of the 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace above White Sands Missile Range, adjacent to Spaceport America.
Unless otherwise credited, all material on this site is © Loretta Hall 2010-2026.
The Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space at Spaceport America.
Photo by Loretta Hall
Photo by Loretta Hall
UP Aerospace launch
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Spaceport America
Photo by Loretta Hall
June 21, 2013
Spaceport America
Photo by Loretta Hall
Unless otherwise credited, all material on this site is ©Loretta Hall 2010-2026.
