Sir Richard Branson today opened the Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space, formally known as Spaceport America, for business by abseiling down the side of the world’s first built-from-scratch commercial spaceport, spraying and drinking from a bottle of champagne.
Even though the spaceport is now open, it will still be a little time before paying customers will be making their first flights into suborbital space. Testing is expected to continue until later into 2012, with flights into suborbital space expected to be launched from the spaceport in early 2013.
450 passengers have already bought their £125,000 tickets to make the journey into suborbital space once the Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space is finally ready.
The Vision Behind Virgin Galactic
Sir Richard Branson’s vision for Virgin Galactic extends beyond just offering suborbital flights. The goal is to make space accessible to more people and to pave the way for future innovations in space travel. The Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space is not just a launch site; it is a symbol of the new era of commercial space exploration. The spaceport itself is an architectural marvel, designed to blend seamlessly with the desert landscape of New Mexico. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including mission control, astronaut training areas, and luxurious lounges for passengers.
Sir Richard explained: “The building is absolutely magnificent,” – “It is literally out of this world, and that’s what we were aiming at creating.” – “We want to be sure we’ve really tested the craft through and through before turning it over to the astronauts who bought tickets to go up,”
Future Prospects and Technological Innovations
The opening of the Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space marks a significant milestone in the journey towards commercial space travel. The spaceport is expected to serve as a hub for various space-related activities, including scientific research, satellite launches, and even space tourism. The technology behind Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft, known as SpaceShipTwo, is groundbreaking. It is designed to carry six passengers and two pilots to the edge of space, offering a few minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth.
The spacecraft will be launched from a carrier aircraft, WhiteKnightTwo, which will take it to an altitude of about 50,000 feet before releasing it. Once released, SpaceShipTwo will ignite its rocket engine and ascend to the edge of space. This innovative approach reduces the amount of fuel needed and makes the entire process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Moreover, the success of Virgin Galactic could inspire other companies to enter the commercial space industry, leading to increased competition and further advancements in technology. This could eventually bring down the cost of space travel, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
The excitement surrounding the Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space is palpable. The 450 passengers who have already secured their tickets are eagerly awaiting their chance to experience space travel. These pioneers will not only get to witness the curvature of the Earth and the vastness of space but will also be part of a historic moment in human exploration.
The opening of the Virgin Galactic Gateway To Space is a monumental step forward in the realm of commercial space travel. With rigorous testing and a commitment to safety, Virgin Galactic is poised to make space accessible to private individuals, heralding a new era of exploration and innovation. The future of space travel looks promising, and the world is watching with bated breath as we inch closer to making space a destination for all.
Source: BBC
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