The first images have been released of Spaceport America. The New Mexico facility will support suborbital tourist flights for Richard Branson’s company Virgin Galactic.

The designs are by a combo of URS Corporation and London firm Foster and Partners. Foster, as you may know, was behind such marvels as the Gherkin, the British Museum’s Great Court and Wembley Stadium (and a wing of Imperial College).

The firm also designed Stansted and Hong Kong Airports, so have plenty of experience with the aviation industry.

Construction begins next year, with the facility opening around 2010. Gorgeous though the plans are, I can’t help thinking Spaceport America looks like something the Klingons might fly around in.

Image credit URS/Foster and Partners