Space plane

[Xema]

Here’s a story about a space tourism craft apparently under serious development.

Tickets are expected to cost $199,000-$265,000, said the company, which displayed a full-scale model in Paris.

The space jet would take off from regular airports using conventional jet engines. Upon reaching an altitude of about 7 1/2 miles, the pilot would ignite the rocket engines, sending the craft to an altitude of 37 miles in 80 seconds.

The engines would then be shut down and the craft’s momentum would carry it to its final altitude. There, passengers would be able to gaze down on Earth and experience weightlessness for three minutes.

I gotta say I’m just a bit skeptical that enough folks will pay $200k for a few minutes of weightlessness.

[Leaffan]

Pffff. I’m not surprised. Given the ridiculous salaries of professional athletes and movie “stars” it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

[Larry_Borgia]

If I was filthy rich, I’d do it. More for the view than the weightlessness. There better be windows on that thing.