In pictures: Spaceport America ready for first commercial space flight

Artist Roy Lohr sits in a “spaceship” he built in his backyard from wine and beer bottles in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

People dance to a band during the annual fiesta in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

A man walks past the Happy Belly Deli in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

A motel displays a neon vacancy sign in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The people of Truth or Consequences are sensing a shift in confidence as the countdown nears for the inaugural space flight from the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Jessie Springer tosses a lasso around a calf at the rodeo in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

The Rocket Inn at Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The people of Truth or Consequences are sensing a shift in confidence as the countdown nears for the inaugural space flight from the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Spaceport America’s Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space Building is seen at the end of the road to the main runway. Virgin Galactic aims to become the world’s first commercial spaceline to send customers willing to pay $250,000 for a short journey into zero gravity and a glimpse of the planet from the edge of space. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Jeff Dukatt displays a tie-dyed spaceport T-shirt he made at his store in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. While it’s not clear what the economic impact will be, many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

A boy wears spurs on his cowboy boots at the rodeo in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Justin Houston wears a prize-winning belt buckle at the rodeo in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The people of Truth or Consequences are sensing a shift in confidence as the countdown nears for the inaugural space flight from the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

A man cycles into the town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. New Mexico taxpayers in 2007 agreed to pony up $225 million to fund the spaceport. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

An overall view of the town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. New Mexico taxpayers in 2007 agreed to pony up $225 million to fund the spaceport. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

A view of the perimeter fence of Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Virgin Galactic aims to become the world’s first commercial spaceline to send customers willing to pay $250,000 for a short journey into zero gravity and a glimpse of the planet from the edge of space. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

People wave at a car during the annual fiesta parade in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Teenagers watch the rodeo in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Many agree that Spaceport America should inject new energy into the town. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

New Mexico’s Spaceport America is ready, but the facility has yet to launch a commercial space flight. Richard Branson, billionaire owner of Virgin Galactic, says he is ‘90 per cent convinced’ spaceships will fly from Spaceport America this year.