Space Tourism

The Virgin Galactic SpaceShip Two was cruising around on October 31, 2014 at about 50,000 feet when it broke up over Southern California. Early speculation was that the engine and the type of fuel was the cause of the accident, however according to the NTSB noted that the engine and the fuel tanks were intact. Now the NTSB’s focus is now on the feathering mechanism that moves the wing booms into the reentry configuration. The lock/unlock lever was pulled prematurely based on recorded speed and the aerodynamics had caused the wings and vehicle to separate in-flight.

Space tourism has been a subject of debate for a while and the earliest that I remember hearing about it was around the early 2000’s. But I was little thought it would be awesome to be on that flight. Virgin Galactic has made been making headlines over the last few years with their unique designs for space vehicles. Also they sell tickets for flights into space.

For the most part there are not a lot due to the FAA was trying to support the industry, but after this accident I think that they will revisit that stance. However, the companies have to acquire test permits and Congress had imposed some more “Red Tape” back in 2004 and that has been extended to 2015.

I see space tourism going far but I think that the first passenger flight won’t happen for another 20 years. I think that it will only be for the rich and then after a long time, it might become more affordable for the general public. But that is going to take a long time before that happens.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/532336/virgin-galactic-tragedy-may-mean-new-space-tourism-rules/