European Launch Site For Virgin Galactic

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..."

Comments

well

[macadamia_harold]

European Launch Site For Virgin Galactic

If the galaxy has to lose its virginity somewhere, it might as well be in Europe.

Er... what?

[Ant P.]

Flying directly through what's essentially a planet-sized cathode ray tube? Isn't that, you know...

Ah forget it, let Darwin sort things out.

Thank you for flying Virgin Galactic

[brainspank]

Chicken, Fish, or LSD sir?

Re:But who can afford it?

[therufus]

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.

Oh my God! You know what *that* means . . .

[StefanJ]

" . . . flights THROUGH the Aurora Borealis."

I hope Branson screens his passengers carefully, because everything I know about Science and Comics says they're going to come back with super powers.

Is the world ready for Team Virgin and assorted super-villains?

yes and no

[ArcSecond]

Closer to the equator minimizes the amount of energy you have to put in to get something into orbit, since the earth's rotational velocity at the equator is maximal, and the distance from the center of gravity is greater (planets bulge at their equators).

But keep in mind, we are not talking about rockets and putting stuff into orbit. These craft are still more aero than space and the aren't being boosted into high orbit. Also, convenience for the target audience (rich people) is at a premium, not fuel.