Spaceport America’s runway is nearing completion with the beginning of the final concrete finish phase of the runway construction.

The 24in multi-layered runway comprises 6in of soil-cement mix foundation, followed by 4in of asphalt and a 14in layer of concrete.

Designed David Montoya Construction, the 10,000ft long by 200ft wide runway can support every kind of aircraft.

The runway for the world’s first purpose-built commercial space facility will also host space tourism and payload launch operations such as those for Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo.

The airstrip will also accommodate returning launch vehicles, fly-back rocket boosters and other space launch and training vehicles.

Spaceport America is working closely with Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, UP Aerospace and Armadillo Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight.

The runway project, which began in August 2009, is expected to be completed this summer.