Space tourism has moved from the pages of sci-fi novels to the glossy folds of marketing brochures, Valerie Stimac writes. And while space as a destination is many things – inspiring, wondrous, humbling – it is also incredibly hard to reach
Virgin Galactic’s chief astronaut instructor became the first non-pilot passenger aboard the VSS Unity rocket-powered spaceplane as it made its way to nearly 90 kilometres above the Earth.On Feb. 22, Virgin Galactic finally accomplished a long-awaited business goal – and took the first step toward creating a real space-tourism industry.
What counts as space? Generally, the Karman line, at an altitude of 100 kilometres above sea level, is considered the border of space; this boundary was set out by the Fédération aéronautique internationale, the world governing body for air sports. The U.S. Air Force and NASA define space as starting at 80 kilometres above sea level, which qualifies Moses and her Virgin Galactic pilots as astronauts.
Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson’s self-funded private company, appears to be the most successful at overcoming the many obstacles on the path to space. After launching the company in 2004, Branson hoped for – and promised – flights by the end of 2009. A decade and one devastating crash later, the company is poised to be the first to send a paying customer to space later this year.
The most notable future space tourists are celebrities and the ultrawealthy , which is not surprising given the price. But other passengers whose names don’t earn headlines have also reserved seats.Blue Origin
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals story line for last season of 'Veep'Julia Louis-Dreyfus still had tears to shed as she said her official farewell to 'Veep.' The only problem is she forgot to bring tissues.
Read more »
Kabengele relying on experience of last year in Sweet 16 rematch with GonzagaFlorida State's Mfiondu Kabengele joins Cory Woron to talk about how the the Seminoles can draw from last years win over Gonzaga in the Sweet 16, what he expects in a matchup with fellow Canadian Brandon Clarke, discusses the amount of Canadian content in the NCAA Tournament, and more.
Read more »
The last days of ISIS - Macleans.caAdnan R. Khan on the ground with two Canadians: one who joined the Islamic State, the other the Kurds
Read more »
Understanding last-resort options when you can no longer pay your debtsFor those feeling overwhelmed and unable to pay their debts, there are two regulated, last-resort options: bankruptcy, and the less drastic consumer proposal
Read more »
If you can’t pay your debts, these are your last-resort options for reliefThere are two regulated options: bankruptcy, and the less drastic consumer proposal
Read more »
May’s last ditch attempt to get her Brexit deal approvedOn Friday, members of Parliament will vote on a motion that Theresa May believes will fulfill a requirement EU leaders made last week that would allow the Brexit deadline to be extended to May 22 from March 29
Read more »
Dahmen birdies 5 of last 6 to share Corales Puntacana lead - TSN.caJoel Dahmen birdied five of his last six holes Thursday for a 6-under 66 and a share of the first-round lead in the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship.
Read more »
Conrad Black: The absurd collusion delusion goes up in smoke at lastIt was amply documented that the Russians meddled in the election and made repeated efforts to associate with the Trump campaign, but that all such overtures were rebuffed
Read more »
French New Wave director Agnès Varda had the last laughHere was an elder who remembered her youth but acknowledged her age, a woman in a glamorous industry cheekily refuting the invisibility of senescence, a maker of images demanding to be seen
Read more »
Last-place Senators beat Leafs for second time in two weeksWith the loss, the Leafs squandered an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth and are now 3-5-2 in their past 10 games
Read more »