Google Zeitgeist is an instant picture of what people are searching for on Google all over the world. Since Google is the most popular search engine on the Web, it's an interesting way to gather data on what people are looking for. The video below discusses Virgin Galactic's plan to create space tourism. Dr. Patrick Dixon is a medical doctor and popular futurist that we at Freightdawg.com have covered before.
Dr. Dixon introduces Stephen Attenborough of Virgin Galactic below. Mr. Attenborough is responsible for attracting passengers to future launches.
(Note: Some corporate proxy servers ban video from youtube.com. If you see white space below...you may be on such a network. Please revisit from home or a connection that does not go through your company VPN.)
Virgin Galactic space vehicles will take people onto short trips into space in the ultimate tourist adventure but also raising questions about use of resources in a world concerned about global warming.
The spacecraft can take 10 people on two trips a day. Carried up to around 70,000 feet like a conventional aircraft, the vehicle is released and then shoots into space in a 90 second rocket powered burst. The rocket motor itself can be turned off and on since the rockets fuel consists of rubber pellets and nitrogen dioxide - both stable by themselves, allowing the rocket engine to be turned on and off.
The Virgin Galactic space vehicle re-enters the atmosphere at a slower speed than the NASA space shuttle, and from a lower height. It flies down to land at a conventional airport using own wings and without sustaining massive temperature issues that have made NASA flights so challenging.
A seat on a Virgin Galactic space vehicle costs $200,000 for a trip lasting a few minutes in space. All seats for the next year or two are already sold out!
Eric
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That was a cool presentation. You think VA would accept AA points?
Dave
Posted by: Dave Halker | May 18, 2008 at 10:28 AM