Orbital Resort to Launch by 2010

Neil Halelamien writes "Popular Science has a cover feature on self-made billionaire and space enthusiast Robert Bigelow (who's been mentioned before on Slashdot). The article has new info on Bigelow's plans to launch a 'CSS Skywalker' orbital resort by 2010 and sell space habitats to others, such as scientists, manufacturers, Hollywood producers, and countries. The habitats will be made of inflatable modules with multilayered kevlar-like walls. A prototype habitat will be launching on a SpaceX Falcon V next year. To help ensure cost-effective access to the station, Bigelow is also running the $50 million America's Space Prize. In the long run, he plans to use the modules as the basis for space yachts and moon cruisers."

Comments

Can't wait

[turtled]

I can't wait for the day I get a chance to get to space. Hopefully in my lifetime it will be affordable... and by affordable, I mean like SouthWest Airline's $79 one way to Vegas from Chicago.

Space amazes me, and good luck to Robert Bigelo.

Re:Can't wait

[Drew05]

"ONLY $79 from Chicago to The Moon! (reentry fees apply)"

Re:Can't wait

[jericho4.0]

That's OK, I brought my own heat shield.

Re:Can't wait

[noidentity]

I can't wait for the day I get a chance to get to space. Hopefully in my lifetime it will be affordable... and by affordable, I mean like SouthWest Airline's $79 one way to Vegas from Chicago.

One way trip to Vegas: $79
One way trip to the moon: $79
Return trip: Priceless

Sounds like a Grand Day Out

[ArmorFiend]

It's like no cheese I've ever tasted, lad.

So?

[WindozeSux]

So is this like those Moon Walk things you see at birthday parties and fairs?

orbital farms

[Anonymous Coward]

can't hardly wait to have my GM chickens grown all globular in zero G. Think of how tender they'll be with no gravity to stress the muscles! delicious.

permaveal 3000
chicken a 'la 'blimp.

Re:orbital farms

[Jeremi]

You got a +4 funny but I wouldn't suprized if you see things like that.

Absolutely! Imagine logging on to SpaceFriedChicken.com, punching in your latitude, longitude, and credit card number, and then holding a baseball glove out the window to catch the chicken thrown down from orbit. (The heat of re-entry sears in the juicy flavor!)

Robert Bigelow

[OneArmedMan]

Space Gigolo........

I know what's next...

[a man named bob]

We're whalers on the moon,
We carry a harpoon,
For they ain't no whales
So we tell tall tales
And sing our whaling tune.

Inflatable Space Resort Guest Rule #1

[prakslash]

Playing Darts is Strictly Forbidden!

Re:I don't understand why people want to go to spa

[paganizer]

Ok.
How's this then: put up your habitat, then give it about 1/6th G equivalent spin.
Many, many people have thought it likely that reduced gravity will extend the human lifetime signifigantly, like maybe even a 50% increase.
Reduced gravity would also make some of the problems the elderly face less of a bother; getting around would be MUCH easier.
If someone puts something like this up, I can easily see the upper-class elderly (who are capable of making the trip) putting there $$$ into a trust to pay for their living in orbit.
And, when their money runs out, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to send them back to 1 G, so you can just shove 'em out the airlock.