Public Space Travel: Reality or Mirage?

[dump...@hotmail.com]

"Today's planned unveiling of SpaceShipTwo here
at the Mojave Air and Space Port is generating
high-altitude hope and a good dose of hype for
public space travel, yet there are those who wave
an advisory flag."

See:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20091207/sc_space/publicspacetravelrealityormirage

[trigonometry1972@gmail.com |]

> http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20091207/sc_space/publicspacetravelreal...

I've been wondering if this thing could be used to fly the Atlantic or
the Pacific oceans? A question of not just how high but also
how far. It should be pretty fast way to go.

Splat.........................Trig

[dump...@hotmail.com]

"Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering
tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness
and view the splendor of the Earth from space."

See:

http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Branson_unveils_Virgin_Galactic_spaceliner_999.html

[Sylvia Else]

It seems likely that Virgin Galactic will do what they say they will do.
Quite how safe it will be remains to be seen.

But if people are thinking that it's a stepping stone to orbital space
tourism, then they're deluding themselves, because it's not.

Sylvia.

[Rick Jones]

Sylvia Else <syl...@not.at.this.address> wrote:
> It seems likely that Virgin Galactic will do what they say they will
> do. Quite how safe it will be remains to be seen.

> But if people are thinking that it's a stepping stone to orbital
> space tourism, then they're deluding themselves, because it's not.

Perhaps, but if they screw the pooch, I believe it will be a millstone
around the neck of orbital space tourism for quite some time.

rick jones
--
Wisdom Teeth are impacted, people are affected by the effects of events.
these opinions are mine, all mine; HP might not want them anyway... :)
feel free to post, OR email to rick.jones2 in hp.com but NOT BOTH...

[dump...@hotmail.com]

"a variety of private firms have finally found a business model
that is both within the financial capacity of private capital and
attractive to the general public: Suborbital tourism.

But there is a big problem with this nascent industry that
most of its supporters are glossing over: Safety."

See:

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Rocket_Plane_Roulette_999.html

[trigonometry1972@gmail.com |]

This is a good thing. Anyone who can drop 200 000 dollars on
such a joy ride isn't that essential. Someone else will
step in to do their job in society with no problem. Plus
the danger will add to the thrill of the ride and
chest banging rights afterwards.

tongue firmly in cheek....................Trig