Commentary: I am really getting tired of the PR hype of Dan Hicks, CEO of Spaceport America, who is trying to get more money from the New Mexico State Legislature and to keep his operations secret from the public and New Mexico taxpayers. Here is his latest "PT Barnum" promotion - Exos Aerospace Systems and Technologies: "It is great to see such an innovative privately funded company entering these final phases of testing before launch of the EXOS SARGE vehicle at Spaceport America. This test will bring them one step closer to regular commercial launches and ultimately tenancy and planned O&M activities that can create new high tech jobs in New Mexico."
Exos Aerospace Systems and Technologies is planning to begin launches of a reusable sounding rocket called the Suborbital Active Rocket with Guidance (SARGE) at Spaceport America.
It appears Exos' finances are on shaky grounds. However, the company said it is examining both raising money from investors and seeking strategic partnerships with other companies to fund development of SARGE. For instance, the company had started a one-month crowdfunding campaign April 27, 2015 to raise $125,000 to support SARGE design work. The kickstarter was not successful. They raised only $15,268 out of the $125,000. In 2017 Exos had another crowdfunding drive asking individuals to invest in Exos.
Spaceport America needs to attract financially established space companies. However, it was designed specifically as a facility for Virgin Galactic and not for other space enterprises. By the way, what kind of revenue is it getting from Exos? Maybe that is why Spaceport America wants to keep their operations and budget a secret! It does not want us to know!
