SIERRA COUNTY, N.M. -- A historic day for New Mexico, the nation and the world as ground is broken for Spaceport America.

The idea started six years ago as a risk and has today become the launch of commercial space. Hundreds witnessed New Mexico's vision for space travel near Truth or Consequences.

It was not a typical groundbreaking. Earth from the site of Spaceport America was collected, placed in a ceremonial container then launched into space in a small rocket.

The groundbreaking is beginning of new jobs, a new emphasis on science, education, research, and space travel.

Virgin Galactic, the flagship for Spaceport America, the Federal Aviation Administration and government officials met on the site of the Spaceport to remind people to expect more than they think they can achieve.

Already $40 million in deposits have been collected from the first 300 people signed up to take a space flight.

And with the completion of the road leading to the Spaceport, construction on the 110,000 square foot green facility can begin.

“I quite frankly thought it would be tough to make it happen but we had some good momentum in the legislature our first term. We invested. The state had resources and when the state has resources you invest in the future,” said Gov. Bill Richardson.

“I would anticipate sometime in July, the entry road will be done and that will enable the heavy construction trucks to come on without tearing up the road,” said Spaceport Executive Director Steve Landeene.

Government, public and private organizers are capitalizing on the space in Sierra County so they can get up into space in the future.