We're Closer to the Stars!

Discover the wonders of space tourism in Las Cruces, where history, science, and adventure come together in one unforgettable destination. Visit top attractions like Spaceport America, local observatories, and interactive museums—perfect for anyone looking to experience the past, present, and future of space exploration.

Star Gazing Spots

In Las Cruces, the stars don’t just shine—they put on a show. With high elevation, a dry desert climate, and skies protected by the Night Sky Protection Act, Southern New Mexico is one of the best places in the country to gaze into space. From amateur stargazers to space enthusiasts, everyone can enjoy this cosmic playground. The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces names the following locations as “Dark Sky Sites” for star gazing:

Leasburg Dam State Park 16 miles north of Las Cruces via Interstate 25 or New Mexico Highway 185
Yost Escarpment 49 north of Las Cruces via Interstate 25 and Upham Exit 32 to County Road E-070
Corralitos Road 15 miles west of Las Cruces via Interstate 10 and Exit 132
Akela Area 33 mile west of Las Cruces via Interstate 10 and Exit 116 to County Road C001

The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces

Fun Fact Chile Space

Sightseeing Space

Discover Southern New Mexico’s top space attractions, from historic museums and observatories to the groundbreaking Spaceport America. Explore interactive exhibits, scenic drives, and unique tours that bring the wonders of space history and exploration to life.

In town...

Tombaugh Observatory

Home to the custom-built telescope created by Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, the observatories is and operated by the Astronomic Society of Las Cruces and located on the New Mexico State University Main Campus. Find out more...

Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science

MoNaS is designed to inspire curiosity and life-long learning and discovery of nature and science. One of three permanent exhibits include Desert Light and Space with interactive exhibits. Find out more...

Space Murals Museum

The museum is abundant in donated relics from the space program, historic photographs and a water tank with murals of the U.S. Space program history. Find out more...

Just a short drive away...

White Sands Missile Range Museum

The public is welcome on baes to visit the White Sands Missile Range Museum documenting the American missile, atomic and space history and history of the White Sands area. Find out more...

New Mexico Museum of Space History

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is located in Alamogordo. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum and home to space age artifacts and displays, interactive exhibits and more. Find out more...

Sunspot Scenic Byway and National Solar Observatory

The 15-mile stretch begins near Cloudcroft, New Mexico and ends at the Sunspot Visitor Center and Observatory. Follow the signs representing planets along the way and enjoy the interactive exhibits once there. Find out more...

Spaceport America

The world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport boasts a 12,000 by 200-foot runway, vertical launch complexes and tenants such as Virgin Galactic. Tours are available leaving from the Visit Las Cruces Visitors Center.

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience at the Las Cruces Space Festival! This free, week-long celebration is packed with fun activities, exciting exhibits, and inspiring presentations for all ages—bringing the wonder of space right here to Southern New Mexico. Join the community and explore the past, present, and future of space in a festival that’s all about making space fun and accessible for everyone!

SAVE THE DATE

September 21, 2025

Fun Fact Moon Tree

Unlimited Skies

Southern New Mexico is a hub for aerospace innovation, with deep roots in research, engineering, and space exploration.

Where America's Space Legacy Began

Clyde Tombaugh: From Pluto to Las Cruces

Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, moved to Las Cruces in 1946.

Helped track rocket tests and developed optical systems like IGOR
Led satellite search programs at New Mexico State University (NMSU), supporting early NASA missions
Continued skywatching from his Mesilla backyard observatory until 1997
His ashes now travel through space aboard New Horizons on its way to Pluto

NASA's Ongoing Presence

Training Ground for Moon Missions

Just 50 miles from Las Cruces, Kilbourne Hole served as an Apollo training site.

Volcanic maar crater used to simulate lunar geology
Astronauts learned to spot and sample rocks like those found on the Moon

Trained at Kilbourne Hole

Apollo 12: Pete Conrad, Alan Bean, Edward Gibson, Richard Gordon

Apollo 14–17: Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, David Scott, James Irwin, John Young, Charlie Duke, Eugene Cernan

Plus New Mexico native Harrison “Jack” Schmitt of Apollo 17

Looking Ahead: The Future of Spaceflight

Las Cruces isn’t just about the past—it’s part of the future. Las Cruces continues to attract global attention as the gateway to space

In 2006, construction began on Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport, located just north of the city.
55 miles from Las Cruces, Spaceport America is the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, nestled in the high desert of southern New Mexico.
- Home to 60+ aerospace companies, including several pioneering NewSpace firms.
- Ideal launch point for space tourism and suborbital flight.
Hosts major aerospace innovators like Virgin Galactic, UP Aerospace, and SpinLaunch with FAA-licensed launch facilities under 6,000 sq. miles of protected airspace.
Public tours available – explore the site, experience the G-Shock simulator, and walk the runway to space (advance booking required).
Jamila Gilbert, a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, flew on Virgin Galactic’s Unity 25 mission in May 2023 as a mission specialist evaluating the customer experience; the flight launched from Spaceport America, just 45 miles north of her hometown.

Spaceport_America-740w

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We're Closer to the Stars!

Star Gazing Spots