First commercial space tourism flight to start next year, Richard Branson will be on board

July 16, 2012 6 Email article | Print article

Ever wanted to venture into space? Now you (almost) can. The first ever commercial space tourism flight is scheduled to launch next year, courtesy Virgin Galactic. Riding Virgin’s SpaceShipTwo space craft, six ‘Virgin astronauts’ (aka tourists) and two pilots will enjoy galactic views for two and a half hours, which includes five minutes of weightlessness. On this maiden flight you will find Richard Branson and his two grown children with other three passengers who are unknown at this time.

SpaceShipTwo has completed many test flights and presumably is now government-approved to take people into space; it is capable of going 100 kilometers (60 miles) above Earth.

If you are thinking about following in Branson’s footsteps, Virgin Galactic is still accepting bookings. However, it will cost you $200,000 and you will need to wait in a line of 529 people. If you do decide to jump on the figurative bandwagon, you will need to take part in a week training prior to your trip. Good luck.

[via Engadget]

6 Comments »

  1. Rob (Down Under) July 16, 2012 at 6:14 AM (comment permalink) -

    I don’t think this will ever take off.

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  2. jayesstee July 16, 2012 at 7:40 AM (comment permalink) -

    @Ashraf:

    Can you lend me the fare? I’ll pay you back when I get home!

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  3. Ashraf July 16, 2012 at 8:14 AM (comment permalink) -
    Mr. Boss

    @Rob (Down Under): Touche Rob, touche.

    @jayesstee: Ill ship it right over.

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  4. jayesstee July 16, 2012 at 8:58 AM (comment permalink) -

    @Ashraf: That’s why you’re the Boss!

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  5. Ashraf July 17, 2012 at 5:50 AM (comment permalink) -
    Mr. Boss

    @jayesstee: I think you missed the joke :-P

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  6. jayesstee July 17, 2012 at 11:01 AM (comment permalink) -

    @Ashraf: No I didn’t miss the joke, I just went along with your comment. Don’t worry, I’m not sitting by my “Mail Box” in case you weren’t joking. :=))

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