It ain’t pretty, but it works:
Among the non-energy businesses setting up shop in Midland, the city is particularly proud of XCOR, a private aerospace firm specializing in suborbital flight and rocket-engine development. Both its headquarters and its R&D facilities are relocating from their original location in Mojave, Calif. In addition to the obvious economic benefits, the move will confer a unique distinction on the city: Midland International will be the only facility in the United States that is both a commercial airport and a designated spaceport.
Spacecraft and oil rigs might seem to be miles apart, but in truth the two high-tech industries have a great deal in common: a constant need for engineers, technicians, and scientists, a focus on materials development (XCOR has a line in developing non-flammable plastics), and shared environmental concerns.
They don’t have their spaceport license yet, but when they do, they’ll be the first dual-use facility, from a commercial standpoint.
Spacecraft and oil rigs might seem to be miles apart
Soon to be a lot closer in a less figurative meaning. But the oil business has many of the same risks as aerospace. The difference is only how some of the risks present themselves. Both are hazardous jobs dealing with hazardous materials that need to be contained, and when that containment is lost, bad things happen quickly.
Woah. Creepy for me since I’m waiting on 1 last reference to get back to me tomorrow before applying for an XCOR job there. Nice article though, Kevin always impresses me with his skill with language and the topics he chooses to pursue. Best writer at the NRO, IMHO. Some funny comments too 🙂