First Ever Spaceport Encourages Space Tourism (VIDEO)

Yesterday was the dedication ceremony for 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space,' a great day for Trekky honeymooners and super-rich people alike. Thanks to billionaire Sir Richard Branson's dream and half a billion dollars, space is no longer just for educational exploration; it's the newest tourism hot spot. Goodbye St. Tropez, hello Saturn!

Sir Richard funded the 'Virgin Galactic' project, creating the first ever spaceport, Spaceport America, located in a New Mexico desert. The understandably excited Branson welcomed guests to the dedication by "rappelling down the glass-sheathed side of Spaceport America's spaceship complex with a champagne bottle in hand."

The spaceport emerges organically out of the desolate landscape with a futuristic yet rustic appearance. Its smooth curvature makes the spaceport look like something out of a science fiction movie— and the spaceships parked in the hangar probably help a bit as well. It was designed by high profile London architectural firm Foster + Partners.

Currently Virgin Galactic is running test flights, in which a large mothership shoots smaller spaceships out into space. What's the going rate for being an insta-astronaut? Roundtrip tickets cost $200,000.00 for a 2 hour flight. Maybe it's best for us non-billionaires to stick to enjoying the spaceport for its architectural splendor.

Watch this National Geographic coverage of the incredible technological and architectural feat: