Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

European Launch Site For Virgin Galactic

Posted by kdawson on from the ooh-shiny dept.

syguy writes "Sir Richard Branson's sub-orbital space tourism venture, Virgin Galactic, is considering a second launch site in Europe. Already committed to Spaceport America near Upham, New Mexico, USA, Virgin Galactic has signed a deal with the Swedish company Spaceport to investigate providing sub-orbital flights from Kiruna airport, Sweden. This is one of the northernmost commercial airports in the world. Branson is attracted by the possibility of offering flights through the Aurora Borealis. Flights could begin in 2011 or 2012." From the article: "The company said last year they would be conducting research into the safety of such a flight. Scientists have little information on how the storms that produce the northern lights affect spacecraft. [The] joint NASA-Canadian Space Agency THEMIS project will launch five satellites into space in February to monitor the northern lights..."

8 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. But who can afford it? by adambha · · Score: 1, Insightful

    How long will it take to make something like this available beyond just the super-wealthy?

    1. Re:But who can afford it? by therufus · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The whole endevour is not intended for the general public, this is out and out a publicity exercise just as all Branson escapades are. The stunt will generate publicity for the normal carrier airline and in turn, generate revenue.

      --
      You moved your mouse. Please restart Windows for changes to take effect.
    2. Re:But who can afford it? by ArcticCelt · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Like for any technology, early adopters will pay the price. Thanks to the "super-wealthy", more money will flow into research and development to make the technology more affordable.

      --

      Yahh, hiii haaaaa! -Major Kong, from Dr. Strangelove
    3. Re:But who can afford it? by KindredHyperion · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Interesting how on the video on the flash version of the website, old Rich describes his company as bringing space travel to people of "all walks of life"... in just how many walks of life can people afford $200,000?? o_O

      --
      For whose sake, henceforth, may his vowes be such As what he loves may never like too much.
  2. Re:well by The+Crooked+Elf · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Anyone else click "Read More" specifically to read the virgin joke you knew would be waiting in first post?

    --
    "Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule."
  3. virgin and marketing by romit_icarus · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Going by past record, =aAnything that virgin announces has to be tempered with a dose of reality. The fact is that Branson is a master in using PR publicity as marketing. In fact he has been often quoted in interviews saying that a headline and a newsworthy article is worth more than ad dollars (and he's right). Virgin Galactic is a good long term indea. It also makes for great news. Right now he has had "agreements" with launch sites. Let's see how much money he puts on the table, let's see some test flights and then we can judge.

  4. Re:Er... what? by qbwiz · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Doesn't outer space (where SS1 went) count as dark and extreme cold?

    --
    Ewige Blumenkraft.
  5. Re:Er... what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    space is always dark if you don't look at the sun.