Delays in the launch of the first space flights by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic from a base in New Mexico have drawn criticism from a county commissioner in the south of the state.

The inaugural flight had been expected to take place this year, carrying Branson from Spaceport America’s 3.6-kilometre runway in Sierra County to suborbital space about 100 kilometres above earth.

But the British entrepreneur said in a television appearance with David Letterman last week he now anticipates a maiden launch date in February or March next year.

Sierra County Commissioner Walter Armijo said his patience is beginning to run out.

I’m not holding my breath,” Armijo said. “They promised jobs, tourism and housing and we haven’t seen any of that. None of the expectations and promises have come true.”

Branson says some 700 ‘astronauts’ have paid €200,000 for a two-hour-plus flight including some minutes of weightlessness.

“We know getting into space is a long-term investment and it takes time to ensure the flights will be safe,” Billy Garrett, chairman of the Dona Ana County Commission, which shares the project with Sierra County, said.

“At some point Virgin will go.”