Virgin Galactic partners with Ted Turner-owned lodge to house space-flight passengers

Virgin Galactic is expanding lodging and entertainment options in New Mexico for its roster of passengers who hope to one day take flight into space.

The company said Monday it's partnering with a lodge in Truth or Consequences that is owned by media mogul Ted Turner.

Aside from lodging, the Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa will offer Virgin Galactic customers eco-safaris on Turner's two ranches in southern New Mexico. Combined, the ranches cover more than 800 square miles.

Spaceport America, the world's first dedicated spaceport, is in a remote area, and the lack of luxury lodging has been an issue.

Virgin Galactic announced earlier this year it selected Hotel Encantado de Las Cruces as the preferred hotel for its customers, who will pay $250,000 a person to make the flights from the spaceport.