Goal: Become a traveler of the Universe
Virgin Galactic has been underway for the better part of a decade developing the worlds first commercial spaceships with successful inner-atmosphere test flights. If all goes according to plan VG will begin regular commercial launches in 2016, with its pioneer launch in 2013. Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico USA has already been built in the anticipation of being the first-official spaceport in the states. Plans are already in motion to build a second spaceport in Sweden with hopes of having the first operational flights in 2015.
Virgin Galactic has been underway for the better part of a decade developing the worlds first commercial spaceships with successful inner-atmosphere test flights. If all goes according to plan VG will begin regular commercial launches in 2016, with its pioneer launch in 2013. Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico USA has already been built in the anticipation of being the first-official spaceport in the states. Plans are already in motion to build a second spaceport in Sweden with hopes of having the first operational flights in 2015.
This may sound crazy and premature, but I say it’s about time someone is making a serious effort toward the future of space travel. I just hope they work methodical and smart - I would hate if fortunes and years of work were wasted because they grew too fast. Virgin is quite opaque in that they typically only share their successes, but records show they have been burning through capital like wildfire. However, many are still standing behind the company with support - Virgin has reported over 550 tickets already sold, with some notable names like Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.
Putting all skeptical thoughts aside, it would definitely be a life changing, once-in-a-lifetime type of experience to visit space. With as much money and time that has been spent on space travel and exploration, I don’t feel as though the human race as a whole knows quite enough about the Last Frontier to start with tourism. Although, I am in full support of programs like VG and SpaceX furthering the possibilities by putting true effort into making the dream a reality.
I also worry - I worry that the last huge mystery of the world will soon be no more. Take a long look at the moon through a telescope - the mystery and awe will lessen. So will space lose some of its luster and wonderment? Post your thoughts in the comments section.
(Photo borrowed from Virgin Galactic© - http://www.virgingalactic.com, 2012)
Putting all skeptical thoughts aside, it would definitely be a life changing, once-in-a-lifetime type of experience to visit space. With as much money and time that has been spent on space travel and exploration, I don’t feel as though the human race as a whole knows quite enough about the Last Frontier to start with tourism. Although, I am in full support of programs like VG and SpaceX furthering the possibilities by putting true effort into making the dream a reality.
I also worry - I worry that the last huge mystery of the world will soon be no more. Take a long look at the moon through a telescope - the mystery and awe will lessen. So will space lose some of its luster and wonderment? Post your thoughts in the comments section.
(Photo borrowed from Virgin Galactic© - http://www.virgingalactic.com, 2012)
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