Space Flights For Tourists Will Be launched in 2013
Many space enthusiasts were saddened by the demise of NASA’s shuttle program last month, but as one era of space travel ends another begins with the continued development of space ships designed for public flights.
Although space tourism may still seem like a pipe dream it’s predicted that the first public flights could be taking place within the next few years.
At the helm of the Aerospace Industry project in the UK is Richard Branson, who has invested millions of pounds into ‘Virgin Galactic’, a company that is designing space ships that will take passengers 70 miles, or about 360,000 feet above the earth.
It is hoped that the first flights will take place in 2013. The trips will last two and a half hours and are purported to cost in the region of £120,000 or $200,000.
Each ship will carry eight people, which will include a pilot and co pilot. Reports suggest that nearly 500 people have already signed up to be a part of this historic event as the first ships take flight. Those who have bought tickets consist of entrepreneurs, scientists and celebrities.
Before flying all passengers are required to undertake three days of training and submit to a series of medical examinations to ensure that they are fit to travel. The training includes techniques to cope with zero gravity and tests to ensure that passengers are able to withstand the G force they will be subjected to on takeoff.
Once in space passengers will have a window of fifteen minutes in which to view their surroundings. Portholes have been carefully placed along the body of each ship to ensure that all passengers get a good view. When the ship reaches 360,000 ft passengers will be permitted to remove their seat belts and experience weightlessness.
Some of the famous faces rumoured to have purchased their tickets include Professor Stephen Hawking, designer Philippe Starck, director Bryan Singer, PayPal entrepreneur Elon Musk, Dallas actress Victoria Principal and comedian Russell Brand.
The pilot of the first flight will be David Mackay, from Salisbury, UK. The 53 year old is Virgin Galactic’s chief pilot. Mackay spent sixteen years in the RAF before teaming up with Branson in 1995 as part of Virgin Atlantic.
Mackay was selected as one of four test pilots for Virgin Galactic and became part of the company’s development team in the Mojave Desert and will be at the helm of the very first flight.
August 16, 2011
