Are you afraid of space tourism?

A rocket explosion has hindered Virgin Galactic

Back in July a fatal rocket explosion set back plans for SpaceShipTwo, the second generation of the X-Prize-winning SpaceShipOne. So what? Well, SpaceShipTwo will also be the spaceship lifting Virgin Galactic wannabe-astronauts to their dreams.

The explosion, which killed 3, is currently being investigated, yet plans for Virgin Galactic have not yet been 'officially' delayed and, hopefully, they will not be delayed.

Obviously, going into space is risky business, but privately-funded space tourism is the kind of technological revolution the world desperately needs. I still plan on taking the trip, as soon as I come up with my $200,000.

Virgin Galactic close to lift off

SpaceShipOne just after claiming the X-Prize

It's funny. In the early days of Soultek, SpaceShipOne and X-Prize blog posts were a daily habit. Since that first X-Prize, private industry's race into space has idled some. Fortunately, with test flights scheduled for June, space tourism is finally picking up pace.

Finally, perhaps, there is something to be excited about in the world, and I can't wait to get back into this subject. For an updated picture check out thisislondon.

Space Cowboys on Business Nation Tonight

SpaceShipOne just after winning the X-Prize

Tonight CNBC's Business Nation will focus on Space Cowboys, such as Robert Bigelow and Richard Branson, and their question for private space exploration. Check out tonight at 9PM.

Suborbital space races in 3 - 5 years

The Wirefly X-Prize will be launching on October 21st, but it won't have the same buzz the X-Prize caused when SpaceShipOne claimed the original $10 million prize. Still, the X-Prize isn't resting on its laurels and the best is yet to come.

"I can see a time, hopefully within the next three to five years when the X Prize Cup is flying races of suborbital vehicles," said Chuck Lauer, Director of Business Development for Rocketplane Kistler, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (more)

Let's keep our fingers crossed. If the X-Prize achieves suborbital races in less than five years, then the time of the private tourist will truly lift-off.

Can a 250 mpg vehicle top SpaceShipOne?

Almost 2 years ago I drove out to the Mojave Desert in the middle of the morning to watch Burt Rutan blast into suborbital space with SpaceShipOne. While the X-Prize did accomplish its goal, the private business space race has been slow to develop. Of course, conquering space is much more complicated than building an extremely fuel efficient vehicle, isn't it?

That's why the X-Prize's newest venture, a 250 mpg vehicle, is very compelling.

It seems automakers can develop extremely efficient technologies, for example, hybrid cars with lithium-ion batteries, or hybrids that plug-in to the grid for extra power. Combined with lighter materials, new aerodynamic designs, and the automotive revolution seems at hand.

So, why isn't it happening?

While I don't really think the X-Prize will result in much that the standard auto industry hasn't explored, I think the X-Prize could inspire the public - the average auto consumer. The time has come for America to rethink its relationship to the automobile, hopefully, the X-Prize can spur that movement.

$225 million spaceport to be built in New Mexico

New Mexico and Virgin Galactic are partnering to build a mostly underground spaceport near White Sands, New Mexico at a cost of $225 million. The first space flights to depart from the spaceport are expected to launch in late 2009 or early 2010. More than 100 "founders", those that have already paid $200,000, will fly into space via spaceships designed by Burt Rutan, X-Prize winning designer of SpaceShipOne. The "founder" flights will begin a year earlier from the Mojave spaceport. Additionally, more than 38,000 others have put down a deposit for flights.(Read more)

Help Wanted: Spaceship builders with "fire in their eyes"

After a successful X-Prize flight more than a year ago, SpaceShipOne designer Burt Rutan mocked NASA a bit as he spoke to the crowd sweating it out in the Mojave Desert.

Today his annoyance with NASA is just as strong it seems.

In the article Burt Rutan: Building The People's Spaceship, Rutan states, "In fact, it’s more dangerous to fly in space in America now than it was earlier. It certainly is more expensive...more difficult. We’ve been relying on our taxpayer-funded research organization, Na Say, excuse me, NASA."

Instead, Rutan would like to see NASA focus on research that they provide to American industry to develop - bringing the entrepreneurial attitude and real competition into space development.

There are few new details in the article regarding when SpaceShipTwo will launch, unfortunately, but it's good reading for Rutan fans.

More important, however, if you are interested in building spaceships, Rutan is looking for help. "We have a lot of openings for people...not just engineers, but people that can help us build research spaceships and production spaceships," Rutan explained, people with "fire in their eyes."

More news

Burt Rutan's Company Scaled Composites

Speaking of Burt Rutan

Space privatization and space tourism

NASA's next purchase?

Well, probably not, but the evolution of SpaceShipOne into Virgin Galactic's fleet of spaceships for space tourism could be an option.

"What I would most like to do is to be able to buy those services from industry," NASA Administrator Mike Griffin recently told SpaceNews regarding supplying and supporting the International Space Station.

The X-Prize and Burt Rutan changed the way people think about space and if Virgin Galactic stays on pace, it will revolutionize not just the private space business, but the entire future of space exploration.

Where is America's space program?

A summer night several years ago, I was staring at the stars in my back yard, when one slowly moved across the sky above me, suddenly, the star completely changed direction and covered a vast amount of distance in just a split second. This happened two or three times and then the 'star' was gone.

While I don't know what the 'star' was, I doubt very highly it was built in America, and it certainly wasn't a natural phenomenon. Yet, the event reinspired my desire to fly into space and to look down upon the earth. But such thoughts seemed silly that day, unless that star came down to earth and took me for a ride.

Today, the NYTimes wrote an article, Report Says Space Program Is Lacking Money and Focus that points out that the U.S. space program is in disarray. More important, it appears that NASA will never get me into space.

New planet findings point out that the reality of life on other planets is almost guaranteed, yet multiple states are still fighting the theory of evolution. Since the American education system can't seem to produce scientists, should there be any surprise that many Americans would question evolution and hate science?

In reality, most Americans are fundamentally ignorant when it comes to science - apparently we're just too dumb, too lazy, or too uninspired.

A year ago yesterday, however, hope and inspiration were rekindled as Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne become the first privately funded and developed spaceship to reach outer space. And my dream of flying into space started to seem possible.

The way things are going, only pioneers like Rutan and private space flight appear to have the ability to inspire renewed interest in space and science.

Space, it now appears, is up to private enterprise.

Blue Origin's Private Reusable Rocket details updated

Not long after Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne claimed the X-Prize, Jeff Bezos announced the formation of Blue Origin, a new company which would seek to build a reusable space launch vehicle. At the time; however, details were quite sketchy. New details have emerged in recent days. According to CNN, "The first test flight of the rocket in unpiloted mode is slated for late next year." (More at CNN.com)

A challenger to Virgin Galactic, PlanetSpace

Canadian Arrow and MirCorp veteran, Chirinjeev Kathuria, are joining forces in a new company, PlanetSpace, which plans to start launching paying passengers into outer space by 2007. The technology isn't quite as sophisticated as Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipOne background. Instead, PlanetSpace, will utilize the V-2 rocket, originally invented by NAZI Germany. (More from MSNBC.com)

Space: Private businesses next step?

There has been a lot of criticism of NASA the last several years, especially after the Columbia accident. Burt Rutan, innovator of SpaceShipOne, has been very critical of NASA. While self-promoting, a new book by the Lunar Prospector designer, Dr. Alan Binder, echoes much of Rutan's criticism of NASA. Via press release Binder states, "it will also demonstrate why it is vital to the nation's interests that the exploration of the moon and planets must be taken out of the hands of the bungling NASA bureaucracy, and transformed into a commercially based program that provides a return on investment as initiated."

Rutan believes space resorts within 25 years

Speaking at the Intel Developers Forum, Burt Rutan, designer of the X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne, told audiences on Monday that ordinary people will be able to go into space for about $30,000 and stay in space resorts within 25 years (CNET).

Rocketplane XP reusable spacecraft

The push for reusable spacecraft, made famous by SpaceShipOne and the X-prize, is gaining momentum to become a reality before the end of this decade.

One such plan calls for, "Rocketplane XP to depart from the Oklahoma Spaceport located in Burns Flat and whisk customers skyward to over 60 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth. At that height, a spectacular view is promised, along with "over the top" weightlessness for up to four minutes. The company also envisions transporting innovative scientific experiments and valuable payloads to sub-orbital space and beyond," according to Space.com.

Space Tourism competition heating up

An article at Economist.com notes that Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, is very serious about becoming a player in space tourism.

With Virgin Galactic having already signed up 13,000 people whom are ready to pay for a trip on the first spaceflights designed off Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne, other players are smelling opportunity.

According to rumors, Blue Origin, Bezo's space company is already developing its own spaceship, but there is absolute secrecy about how far along the project is, but rumors indicate it is much further along than the general public realizes.

Click here for the complete article.

Aerospace Giants Team up for NASA's next spaceship

Aerospace giants, Boeing Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp., stated they will form a partnership to compete for the contract to build NASA's next manned spaceship, according to a Reuter's Article.

What I found most interesting about the article; however, is what Boeing reps said about the project, "It's going to take a whole lot more capability than resides in any one corporate or government entity. We are truly all going to have to work together to create a system integration capability which far exceeds anything anybody has ever tried to do."

Read the complete article

Amazon's Bezos in Private Space Race

According to a Reuters article, engineers at Blue Origin, a Seattle start-up funded by Jeff Bezos, "are working to build low-cost vehicles that would send passengers into space for short flights."

Amazon.com Founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, wants to compete against the likes of Scaled Composite's Burt Rutan and his SpaceShipOne success, along with Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, in the privately-funded suborbital space tourism industry.

Regarding suborbital space tourism, akin to the technology of SpaceShipOne, Bezos stated, "I very much hope to go up one day, and I think that will happen. I think I will go up on a Blue Origin vehicle."

And Bezos isn't suborbitally-limited. "Then you would proceed from there to other steps, such as perhaps orbital space flights," Bezos told Reuters on Tuesday.

Perhaps America's Space Prize isn't so unrealistic?

Click for Reuter's Story

America's Space Prize Rule's Update

The $50 million dollar purse for Robert Bigelow's American Space Prize will certainly not be easy to obtain, based on the requirements released by Bigelow Aerospace today.

For example, the craft must send a crew of five 400 kilometers above the earth, complete two orbits, land and do the same within 60 days. Additionally, the ship must be at least 80 percent reusable, and the whole mission must be completed before Jan. 10, 2010 - an almost inconceivable mission.

Based upon the success of SpaceShipOne, which took at least $30 million to accomplish, such a mission - as required by America's Space Prize - will easily take more than $100 million to accomplish.

In reality, the American Space Prize seems more publicity stunt than reality. Of course, the same was said for the X-Prize. Still, suborbital space tourism is significantly less complicated than orbital space development. Additionally, suborbital space tourism will help achieve a smooth transition to orbital space tourism and commercial development

If such a mission were accomplished just 5 years from now, the world would almost instantly change as a limitless, entirely unexplored business opportunity opened to private business. The excitement of the Internet Boom would pale in comparison.

SpaceShipOne, SpaceShipTwo, and X-Prize Updates

Burt Rutan, the renegade designer largely responsible for the success of SpaceShipOne, recently made some interesting statements about the future of space.

In an article by Space.com, Rutan stated that his rocket was seen as a "toy" by the larger aeronautics industry. 

Yet, his toy has sustained very little damage in reaching space, and it has achieved its goals using cheaper and simpler technologies than industry giants. 

While SpaceShipOne might not be elegant, its simple effectiveness inspires possibility.

And, Rutan's toy has already inspired SpaceShipTwo. Recently, Rutan told Space's, Leonard David, "Wait 'til you see SpaceShipTwo...it is erotic."

Rutan is predicting an explosion in the private space race this decade, and if you buy Rutan's vision, orbital space will be as common as long distance air travel in just 20 years.

X-Prize moves on

The X-Prize announced that it will become an annual event - hosted in New Mexico - called the X-Prize Cup.

International Fuel Technologies has announced that it would be a sponsor of the event. 

The first X-Prize Cup will start in 2005. Multimillion dollar prizes are again expected for some events. The contest is still a bit open-ended at this time. Aside from space issues, the X-Prize Cup will also deal with other societal issues, such as transportation, nanotechnology, aging deceleration, and education.

More information at http://www.wtnxprize.org

It's no Laughing Matter, SpaceShipOne Burns Rubber

SpaceShipOne's recent X-Prize winning flights were an excellent achievement. Most important, it made believers out of many dreamers, and is sure to inspire more innovation from this sector.

Still, SpaceShipOne did more than achieve some altitude labeled sub-orbital space.

In fact its design has already created significant spin-offs that are sure to be studied and utilized by competitors in the private space race.

A SpaceShipOne Spin-Off

SpaceShipOne utilized a new fuel for rocket launches that is more powerful, safer, and environmentally friendly than average rocket fuels.

Hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is basically tire rubber that is burned with nirtroxous oxide, or laughing gas. Because these substances are stored separately during flight, they are extremely more safe than traditional fuels. Additionally, the new fuel is more environmentally friendly, adding far less ammonium perchlorate and aluminum into the atmosphere.

This fuel system, combined with Burt Rutan's design enable SpaceShipOne to be an unbelievable 97 percent reusable.

This ability to quickly and safely reach the weightlessness of space makes SpaceShipOne a potentially immense resource for universities and businesses that are used to paying millions to NASA to do experiments in weightlessness on board the shuttle, or on the space station.

Much like the race to the moon helped develop today's computer and communication's innovations, as well as developing simple utilities, such as velcro, the private space industry will also lead to significant discoveries and innovations in the coming years.

These innovations alone could help private space develop untold new industries and jobs, completely independent from the private space race itself.

Virgin Galactic, SpaceShipTwo and the push towards privately funded commercial space ventures

Monday’s historic X-Prize-claiming space flight by SpaceShipOne has changed the world’s perception about space travel.

Just a year ago, very few people took space travel seriously. It just didn’t seem possible that the average person would ever have the opportunity, and that reality seemed all the more harsh when the second shuttle exploded.

Then came June and the announcement that SpaceShipOne would try for space. Watching that historic flight, as dawn overtook the desert, space travel seemed much closer, but still far away.

Just a few months later came the X-Prize flights, and the announcement of Virgin Galactic – a partnership between Virgin Atlantic and the SpaceShipOne creators.

Amazingly, the first flight of Virgin Galactic is expected to launch in just 3 years, and within 5 years, the aviation / space company hopes to have created over 3,000 new astronauts from countries throughout the world. Additionally, the plan includes constructing launch pads for commercial space travel through-out the world over the next few years.

To me, this seems like the key to the plan – going global. In many places resources and investors might be lined up. In other places, it just will be simpler to set up ‘spaceports’ for space flights to depart and arrive.

Some already doubt the plan, but the Branson – Rutan – Allen team isn’t the only one getting involved in sub orbital travel.

SpaceDev, contributors to the hybrid rocket system of SpaceShipOne, have also announced a new spaceship. Dream Chaser could be ready for its maiden flight as early as 2008.

Still, why doubt Rutan? SpaceShipOne now has 3 successful missions under its belt, 2 astronauts, and an incredibly innovative leadership team. Rutan recently stated, “We are extremely confident that we are going to be able to produce the first space tourism commercial spaceliner that will start out service with reliability, I believe, significantly better than the first airlines had when they started doing service decades ago when we had the first airliner.”

Still it’s not just Virgin Galactic. Virgin Galactic will be building its first new vessel, VSS Enterprise, next year. Additionally, Burt Rutan stated that SpaceShipOne has provided ideas for SpaceShipTwo. So it seems there might be multiple projects coming out of the Rutan – Allen camp.

Since Mohave is licensing technology to Virgin, Scaled Composites should have time – and new funding – to develop a second generation vehicle, SpaceShipTwo.

Space will be ours!

SpaceShipOne Wins X-Prize; Provides Ideas for SpaceShipTwo

For the second time in five days, SpaceShipOne flew into space and claimed the $10 million X-Prize. Early numbers indicate the space ship reached an altitude of 368,000 miles, a new altitude record for private space flight.

Brian Binnie piloted today's historic flight and thus became the second astronaut created by SpaceShipOne.

Unlike last week's flight, when SpaceShipOne rolled more than a dozen during its trajectory, this flight went off without any apparent hitches. Additionally, the craft once again proved that higher altitudes are easily within reach.

Already, Burt Rutan and Scaled Composites are preparing for the next generation of private space flight. According to Burt Rutan today, "We will be developing new ideas also on SpaceShipTwo. What you've seen here is a research and development program to look at new ideas on how manned spacecraft can really be significantly safer...and there will be new ideas out there."

SpaceShipOne takes X-Prize

SpaceShipOne wins X-Prize today!

Aside from winning the prize, the SpaceShipOne team also helped create the second new privately-created astronaut. Brian Binnie piloted today's flight and now joins Mike Melville as SpaceShipOne astronauts.

More soon.

SpaceShipOne to take second X-Prize flight Monday

According to CNN.com, Burt Rutan has told organizers of the X-Prize that SpaceShipOne will go ahead with Monday's flight. If the flight succeeds, SpaceShipOne will win the X-Prize.

Astronaut Michael Melvill claimed the bear roll during Wednesday's flight was an insignificant event and that he never lost control of the spaceship.

Good Luck SpaceShipOne!

SpaceShipOne hits 73 miles

According to CNN, SpaceShipOne, succeeded in meeting the altitude requirements for the first leg of the X-Prize. Instead of the required 62, the spaceship went 73 miles above the earth.

While the spaceship did dozens of barrel rolls on its ascent, it easily reached the required 62 miles and astronaut Mike Melvill didn't make much of the rolls. More interesting, possibly, is the fact that Melvill shut the engine off 11 seconds early, indicating the ship has far higher altitude capabilities.

Regardless, what a great day for anyone who dreams of going to space. Today marks another significant, successful test. Yes there were bugs, but goals were achieved and knowledge gained.

Space, what a rush! A whole new private industry is forming right now, and it could create a whole new world, a huge opportunity for people all over the world.

The private space race will ultimately push residential, cost-effective solar energy; fuel cell technology for space, home and auto. Hybrid cars, the space compliment, also promote smaller, super efficient batteries and fuel cell systems that might also contribute to space. The synergy of the two create not only a New Energy Paradigm, but a real opportunity for space exploration - including privately, funded, profitable space exploration.

Buy some private space company stock and a hybrid car today!

SpaceShipOne attempts first leg of X-Prize

SpaceShipOne has just completed its flight today. Seeking to reach an altitude of 62 miles, the ship was attempting to complete the first flight of the the two flight Ansari Prize.

Official word will be given later today on whether the flight achieved its objective.

Back in June, when SpaceShipOne became the first privately-funded 'spaceship' to reach space, the flight didn't achieve the desired altitude - though it did reach space.

Today's flight also appeared to have glitches.

Still, what a great day. What a great week. With Virgin Galactic proposing private space flights starting in just a few years, the Jetson life doesn't seem so far away.

Kudos to Richard Branson.

Sitting in Mojave (see the pics.), just a few months ago, I wondered how historic "The first privately-funded space success" would be. At that time, private spaceflights for the average Joe still seemed far away. Yet, when success was announced over loudspeakers as SpaceShipOne did a victory lap, a bolt of electricity surged through the thousands of witnesses.

While 'our' chance to reach space still seemed far away, it finally seemed possible and believable. And it seemed certain to inspire.

Now that Richard Branson has joined Paul Allen, 'our' chance seems just around the corner. Moreover, Mr. Branson's entrepreneurship will certainly inspire others to get involved.

I'll report back on the ultimate results of today's flight.

Yahoo! News - SpaceShipOne Data Shows Vessel Took a 'Trajectory Excursion'

Yahoo! News - SpaceShipOne Data Shows Vessel Took a 'Trajectory Excursion':

Article points out that there were some relatively serious problems, most importantly, a flight-critical system, with Monday's historic space flight. The primary pitch trim control was lost, forcing a redunancy system to be activated, alleviating the problem.

We'll wait to hear whether the X-Prize is next, but it seems like another test will probably come first. A 60 Day notice is required before attempting the first lef of the X-Prize.

Quotable

"Our success proves without question that manned space flight does not require mammoth government expenditures, it can be done by a small company operating with limited resources and a few dozen dedicated employees."

Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites


"Burt Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites are part of a new generation of explorers who are sparking the imagination of a huge number of people worldwide and ushering in the birth of a new industry of privately funded manned space flight."

Paul Allen, Microsoft, Sole Sponser SpaceShipOne

NASA Plans Cash Prizes in Wake of SpaceShipOne Success

NASA Plans Cash Prizes in Wake of SpaceShipOne Success

Because of the success of SpaceShipOne's historic launch, coupled with the excitement created by the mission, NASA has announced plans to offer Cash-Prize Contests for othter privately-based space projects.

With the X-Prize yet unclaimed, the buzz at Monday's flight is certain to increase as the X-Prize requirements are challenged. Hopefully, this will continue to inspire new entrepreneurs and refocus America's mission into space. While NASA has accomplished a considerable amount, their assistance to the private space community is definitely an excellent next step for both NASA and the sprouting private space industry.

While private space companies might not "challenge" NASA, many niches are available that are not of interest to NASA, but have economic impact. NASA's assistance in achieving such missions can inspire the Nation, revolutionize the American and World economies, ultimately, making NASA even more relevant, efficient, and successful.

SpaceShipOne Pictures from the Mojave Desert Spaceflight

Here is a picture of SpaceShipOne after becoming the first privately built aircraft to reach into space. For more pictures of this historical flight, please click the link below.

Click here for more pictures.

SpaceShipOne booms Mojave

I just returned from the only SpacePort in the United States where, today, SpaceshipOne became the first privately funded rocket plane to reach space. Everything appeared to go extremely smooth. Afterwards, the Team did a victory lap in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. However, as the team passed in front of the crowd, Burt Rutan, the designer and visionary behind SpaceShipOne, jumped into the crowd taking a sign from an onlooker. It said, SpaceShipOne = 1; Government = 0. The crowd roared.

While many might argue the "significance" of the flight, one thing is clear, privately-funded space is reality. Over the loud speaker at Mojave, while waiting for SpaceShipOne to ascend 62 miles overhead going three times the speed of light, Paul Allen, gave a great speech challenging those with expendable income to invest in space, rather than Yachts, racing cars, etc.

The SpaceShipOne rocket was designed and built for less than $25 million, less than a decent contract in the NBA. It can only be hoped that this flight, combined with the upcoming X-prize tests will inspire a new generation of space entrepreneurs.

More later.