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Tourist-Class Soyuz Spacecraft Seats Open

Posted by simoniker on from the lance-bass-wears-suit-to-get-upgrade dept.

brandido writes "Put another notch in the belt for space tourism - Space.com is reporting that: "If you're looking for the ultimate in get-up-and go, take note: Tourist-class seats will be available on a Soyuz spacecraft bound for the International Space Station in 2004-2005. This off-planet trek comes courtesy of a deal struck between Space Adventures, a U.S. adventure travel firm, Russia's RSC Energia and the Russian Space Agency (Rosoviakosmos)." However, NASA has yet to be officially notified or to give formal approval, so there are still some speed bumps in the road map."

2 of 191 comments (clear)

  1. Space travel needs this by xtal · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This will do a lot more good than harm. Space travel suffers from some extreme eliteism, justified or not - and if the average joe doesn't see people who don't have 50 initials after their name going up, they are and will lose interest in space exploration. One thing that gives hope is that maybe someday you'll have enough money to do that - because in the great USA, the almighty dollar speaks both last and loudest.

    Anything that drums up public support for space exploration gets a thumbs up from me. Honestly, I don't see how much this can jepordize anyone's life. Many/most of the systems onboard these craft are fully automated, and if shit hits the fan, there's pretty much zilcho anyone can do.

    So no, I don't find this disgusting at all.

    --
    ..don't panic
  2. Re:Tito got a grudging approval... by Mondoz · · Score: 5, Insightful
    NASA knows that the Russians need money for their space program and will probably tolerate this guy as well.

    NASA also knows they need the Russian launch vehicles to take up the slack of the grounded Shuttles...
    And Russia is milking that for all it's worth...

    --
    /sig