Whats the relationship between Spaceport America and Virgin Galatic?
This Sept. 8, 2016 photo made available by Virgin Galactic shows the companys Spaceship Unity and Mothership Eve. After reaching nearly 50,000 feet (15,000 meters), Unity will be released and drop for a moment or two before its rocket motor ignites to send the craft on a steep climb toward space. (Virgin Galactic via AP)  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  On Sunday, Virgin Galactics Unity 22 mission will launch out of Spaceport America, which is owned and operated by the State of New Mexico. According to Spaceport America, which is located near White Sands Missile Range in Southern New Mexico, Virgin Galatic has a 20-year lease to use its space launch area. Virgin Galactic moved into Spaceport America in 2019. Virgin Galactic posted pictures of Spaceport America on Twitter ahead of Sundays launch. The skies over @Spaceport_NM are ready. Soon our #Unity22 mission specialists will soar above New Mexico and see Earth from a whole new, spectacular point of view. Link in bio to watch the launch live this Sunday at 6amPT | 9amET | 2pmBST on https://t.co/5UalYT7Hjb. @NewMexico pic.twitter.com/Wzpkqw81qX  Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) July 10, 2021  According to Spaceport America, Spaceport America will be closed during the launch days, but youll be ablt to watch the launch through a livestream. . @Spaceport_NM is closed to the public during launch days. We will share @virgingalactics live stream on our website and social media pages and the cities of Las Cruces and T or C are hosting in-person watch parties. pic.twitter.com/8OqptxER3R  Spaceport America (@Spaceport_NM) July 9, 2021  In May, Virgin Galactic completed its first human spaceflight in two years, with founder Sir Richard Branson in attendance to watch the launch. On Sunday, Branson will be onboard the space flight, along with two pilots and three mission specialists. For local and breaking news, sports, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE KTSM 9 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.