WEST TEXAS SPACEPORT
aka La Escalera a Las Estrellas Spaceport
INNAUGURAL LAUNCH
October 5, 2002

Operated by Pecos County/West Texas Spaceport Development Corporation. JP Aerospace, Launch Contractor

On October 5, 2002 JP Aerospace launched a MicroSat Launcher from spaceport in West Texas, La Escalera a Las Estrellas Spaceport. The rocket measured 12 feet and was launched to 17,000 feet. Prior to the launch of this rocket JP Aerospace launched a PongSat package in 20 MPH winds and carried 60 PongSats to an altitude of 100,000 feet. It was recovered about 35 miles down range.

JPA Engineers accompany the rocket with VHF ham radio

Pecos county residents enjoying an afternoon of rocket-spotting

The launch stand from the safe vantage of JPA HQ

5:46 PM - Launch!

Doug May on his way to the post-launch briefing