First look at SpaceShipTwo

actionforspace.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:31:50 GMT

This is fantastic. It is the private companies that will take spaceflight from an expensive government affair to routine. Unfortunately, there are restrictive regulations that unnecessarily hamper development in this regard. Go to www.actionforspace.com and tell the congressmen that they need to promote better laws to foster the development of commercial spaceflight.

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mark caserta — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:41:13 GMT

A new age in space travel is about to arrive later this year and finally no congressional budget over sight or non space orientted presidental candidates (Obama who wants to push back manned space travel) can stop it. Maybe we'll get get to the Moon yet, except it will be through private types like Virgin Galactic and Spacex.

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Derek Gephart, Marquette, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:41:51 GMT

Slick ideas. I'm sure that if we all had a spare 200k laying around that we might entertain the idea of going up. I'm just waiting for the Virgin Galactic Station/Hotel for the honeymooners that really want to go all out. Nice of Branson to make it seem like he has no ego either. How refreshing.

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Wayne — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:48:34 GMT

I can't wait to do parabolas in space! It looks great! Great Post!

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steve smyth lynn ma — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:53:52 GMT

I can see the pilot wrestling with the controls and praying during launch sequence and re-entry...just like the guy from SpaceShipOne.
Whirlygigs in space...Hooey!
click my name for the solution...

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phil, hauppauge, ny — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:01:16 GMT

more concept art please!

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Nick, Mays Landing, NJ — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:05:34 GMT

As safe as an airliner from the 20s... I find that hardly reassuring when I'm spending $200,000

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Anton Chigurh — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:12:30 GMT

Congrats to Rutan and Branson. My question is how scaleable is this system might be to reaching orbit? Obviously it would require a much more substantial burn, but would an evolution of this design be able to make it to, say, the ISS? Anyone care to comment?

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Jane Doe, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:15:06 GMT

On July 26, 2007, there were lives lost in the making of SpaceShip Two, however, Scaled Composites and Burt Rutan are not recognizing these three men as leaving their marks on this earth for something they believed in . . . SpaceShip Two. Already these three men have been forgotten and their families have not received consideration in monetary ways for their loss.

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Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:17:55 GMT

Go, Baby, Go!

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Mark L. Luce, Fort Collins, Colorado — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:23:17 GMT

Very cool! I wish I had $200,000! But I am only a teacher! You should offer free flights for teachers, especially the ones like me who are always talking about getting private enterprise going in space!

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Paul W. Collins — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:25:16 GMT

Godspeed gentlemen.

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Deano, Music City USA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:10 GMT

All I can say is,
"Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars....."

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Eric, Portland TN — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:27:30 GMT

Absolutely Rediculous... Thats all that I can say.

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Dan Clark, Decatur IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:28:20 GMT

What are the energy requirements when compared to the current method of achieving space flight per 1000 kg of total mass? Is it indeed more efficient or is this simply a means to get the public support of more routine space flight and to turn a profit?

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Bloggerrich, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:28:25 GMT

I have been waiting for this. Hats off to Branson, Rutan and the rest of the team for getting us on our way to the future of space travel and exploration as well as an increasingly rapid development of the technologies that will get us there safer, faster and more efficiently.

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Shaun, The Bronx New York — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:29:06 GMT

Space travel? When? People keep talking about it. Keep expecting more talk. When I say "travel" I mean it literally. We want action.

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Burt Vincent — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:31:20 GMT

I saw the first generation at Osh Kosh. Very impressive. I am wondering if this design is capable of orbit or just a vertical ascent / descent?

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Cojo ,Columbus Ohio — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:31:20 GMT

I'm in !! resrvation $ 125489-5874569HG

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Bud Russo, Las Cruces, New Mexico — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:32:19 GMT

I live in Las Cruces, New Mexico, 40 miles south of Spaceport America. And I'm looking forward to seeing this amazing craft lifting from the same land over which America's first highway ran ... El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro ... 4 centuries ago. Just like Juan Onate brought 500 colonists north from Mexico, Rutan and Branson will be opening the heavens for present and future colonists.

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Kathy Ognibene — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:32:29 GMT

Oh,Please!

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TOM RUSSO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:33:35 GMT

I WANNAGO, I WANNAGO !!!!

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Josh, Harleysville, Pennsylvania — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:35:23 GMT

Another Great Job by Virgin! They prove that the people and just not the government can enjoy space travel at a reasonable expense!

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David, Lake Lure, NC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:38:27 GMT

I wouldnt fly in that thing if you paid me 1 Million. NASA couldnt get to the moon today if they tried. The space program is a waste of money and lives because like everything else made in America it falls apart. Every space tourist can watch as their shuttle loses parts on the way to nowhere.

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John Doe Washing Dc — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:39:04 GMT

finally we will be able to see the aliens and space ships theres out there. Its about time we see the truth.

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Stella, North Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:39:36 GMT

A few days ago, MSNBC posted an article stating that this company was fined over $28K for lack of safety resulting in an accident that killed 3 and seriously injured 3 others. So far, there has been no mention of civil suits from the victims or their families that surely will be in the several millions. The timing of this announcement seems highly inappropriate; especially given there has been no public demonstration of any effective corrective action in their engineering design and test practices. I think this company has a very long way to go before the public would have any confidence in their ability to safely design and operate a spacecraft, albeit a rocket powered airplane. Perhaps people of the likes of Paris Hilton and other high net worth individuals signing up for tickets are extreme/high risk takers.

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:41:15 GMT

cool

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Frank T. Kaluza Las Cruces, NM — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:44:29 GMT

Hey, maybe NASA should comtract with Virgin Spaceways and Rutan for the next shuttle or probably hire them to do the work of the shuttle.

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Ken Clark, Monrovia, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:44:30 GMT

This must be the ultimate $200,000 joy ride. I'm glad that, during the coming depression, there will be still be first class entertainment for the remaining rich people.

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erik — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:44:50 GMT

To ugly to travel on! I think I will keep my money instead.

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Mark, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:45:07 GMT

Lame.

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Walter Williams — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:52:08 GMT

Incredible collaboration! I can't wait to see the video of the passenger's faces when weightlessness kicks in!

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a p garcia — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:52:25 GMT

I wonder why NASA hasn't encorporated any of Rutan's ideas.

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boo-boo bridgewater va — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:52:48 GMT

the most fabulous idea to become reality in a baby boomers lifetime..the horseless carriage,t.v. radio,telephone,microwave,and any other state of the art idea has nothing on this concept!! know if we can just balance the the budjet! god-speed and good luck!

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Craig Wall — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:54:01 GMT

Yee Haw! Now they just need to put a jump door in so the extreme skydivers can get in on the act!

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P. Jones, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:57:13 GMT

I am curious as to what degree you are going to evolve your "feathering" re-entry technique on these craft. As spacecraft size and payload increase, it will certainly become a major issue before too long.
What would be the the square-footage of feathering surface required per pound of payload ?
Do you realistically anticipate using this technique with a spacecraft of the same capacity as the existing space shuttle and roughly speaking, what would be the feathering surface area required ?
Thanks.

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Dave, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:57:55 GMT

According to another MSNBC article, 26,000 children ages 0-5 years of age die EVERY DAY because of malnutrition and no access to simple childhood vaccinations and we're all expected to stand up and cheer because a bunch of rich SOBs are going to experience space flight? [...]

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Roy Fritz, Butte, Mt — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:58:12 GMT

will they send ashes of someone up with the ship to be left in space? Will there be a stopping place for an emergency in space? Are they required to be conectable with the space station?

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Mike M, Seattle WA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:58:15 GMT

If I only had an extra $200,000 sitting around. Anyone want to sponser me? :D

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Rob, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:58:27 GMT

Who cares about this garbage?! With all the problems of war, disease and poverty in our world, why are we spending time worrying about a handful of millionaires who want to float about in space just for the fun of it? Absolutely pathetic.

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furiousgeorge, claremont, ca. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:02:11 GMT

...kinda makes you wonder why the ultra-rich people are in such a hurry to get to space...perhaps they know something the rest of us do not...

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Penny, Ocala,Fla. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:02:26 GMT

Very exciting!! Makes me wish I was 40 years younger so I would be around to see what the future will bring next! I would be the first in line to go if I could. I envy those who will blaze the trail. Good Luck to all those who will.

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Brad Thompson Grandview,MO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:02:34 GMT

I can't wait to see how much a ride on those puppies will cost!

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jdt,everett wa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:02:45 GMT

Looks a lot like the old DYNA-SOAR forward fuselage don't it?

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Jon, Ygn., OH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:04:02 GMT

Why would anyone take this seriously?
Not too many years from now, space ship Two will take it's place at the National Air and Space Museum. Along with Space Ship One.
There with the Concorde SST, these craft will be symbols of failed technology. Misplaced dreams and unwarranted hype.
Space travel is now, and will remain the province of governments. For a very long time to come.
The cost of a ticket, ($200,000) is an obscene amount of money for anyone to spend on a pointless joyride. Not to mention the extreme danger the passengers will be exposed to.
The cost of operating these vehicles is no doubt being under estimated. Cost will certainly climb. A ticket to ride is out of range for 99% percent of the population.
There is some real delusional thinking going on here. Or maybe it's all a joke. Time will tell

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:06:15 GMT

And so now space exploration has fallen from great advances in technology, to little more than re-engeering old concepts. In terms of technological and scientific advances, this is little more then the Segway with wings. Another classic example of media hype of science, without any actual new science being involved.

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William N. DeBord , Sturgis, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:07:05 GMT

Can that plane survive re-enter heats. I see no protection on the body of the aircraft and what about the pressure on the wings on re-entering?

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Ken Schweitzer, Jacksonville, Fl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:07:22 GMT

Beautiful design. I hope that testing goes well and they can meet there schedule. Looks like a real spaceship!
PlanetSpace.com

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John Patrick Jackson, New Jersey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:09:59 GMT

What a great, positive vision this is.
Tomorrow will come and these good people
will help bring our dreams forward.
Thank You
JPD

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State ur name — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:12:56 GMT

what a piece of.Hey why dont u put wings on a Ford Pinto or a Chrysler PT Cruiser thats just as good as that. Think diffeent u know the bigger picture.

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JOHN J. FARRAN — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:13:00 GMT

SPEND THE MONEY ON INNER SPACE NOT OUTER SPACE. TO SURVIVE ON THIS PLANET WE NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT LIES BENEATH OUR OCEANS.

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Carl,Macomb,IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:14:29 GMT

Science fiction turns into factual science. I have always found it intresting that what we write in science fiction to a small degree translates into real world applications.

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Donnie Wahlberg — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:19:39 GMT

Yeah, take all the rich people to space and leave them there. They're the only ones who could afford to be "space tourists". Interesting, but an almost laughable endeavor at this point in time.

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Chris McCoy — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:27:06 GMT

This is wonderful news, and what a great looking pair of vehicles! Of course every time I hear about this I wonder why it costs NASA $4,000 a pound to launch sub-orbital payloads and it only costs Virgin/Rutan $800? More importantly, with the estimated price per pound dropping for Virgin to $500 for orbital within 10 years, why is NASA looking at a new "tin can" system that will only reduce cost of orbital flight to $5000. Our defense/aerospace contractors should be required to deliver payload for NASA at the Rutan price.

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Phelan Webb, Indian Springs, Ala. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:27:33 GMT

HOw awesome...! Maybe one day a poor soul like me can afford a trip into outer space...
Congratulations on Mission accomplished!

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Michael D. Wellman — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:27:44 GMT

WOW, I guess I best start saving up for the ride of my life before you guys make it a "walk in the park". I sure it will be more than just thousands that will want to take this Space/Air-craft into the wild blue/black. To be weightless for just one time in my life, above my home world, Priceless!!!

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Joan Anderson, Calgary, Alberta — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:27:59 GMT

If I win a lottery, I will be able to make my ultimate dream come true. It's not that I'm complaining about the price, far from it. That I have lived long enough to see this happen is what excites me the most. My grandfather used to wonder that he had lived from horse and buggy days up to seeing a man on the moon. I'm beginning to understand how he felt.

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Griffin, San Francisco, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:28:38 GMT

Ohhh... If I were only 25 years younger! I can't wait to see what comes of this.

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Robert Paul Norman — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:33:06 GMT

I would cash in a life insurance policy to fly in this plane. How incredible.

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Michael Patterson, Santa Barbara, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:33:54 GMT

Wow! To quote Jack Aubrey's character in the movie "Master And Commander", "What an amazing modern world we live in..."

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Gerald J Lodge — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:36:03 GMT

I think this is great info and we should enbrace this new way of travel,learn from it, teach it in classrooms,so the younger generations can inprove wht we have all ready achieved, we all know earth is in trouble w/ the greenhouse affect and we will need another planet in the future and this could be the start of a fleet of ships that can help transport things to space station or other planets to prepare and have regular people ready for flight (3-4 hungreds years of couse or more) but we must be ready

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Chris Humphries — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:36:42 GMT

I would be a little nervous of a company that is selling rides into space that cannot even maintain a web page that performs properly – interesting though

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Jack Bridges — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:43:51 GMT

Patsy Cline should be singing the first in flight song,(Crazy is what I am thinking here).

If they are going to have an in-flight movie they better make it a short.

Could someone leave me in their will? My family and I sure could use the money.....

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Bill Busby, Saint Charles Mo. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:45:19 GMT

I'm 60 years old and grew up dreaming of Space. I really thought while riding the schoolbus listening to the countdowns from the Cape during the late 50's that someday I would fly in Space. Now I'm old and realize this will never happen, but thanks to people like Branson and Rutan maybe some wide-eyed kid, dreaming of Space, will get the opportunity. God Speed guys!!

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Rick, San Antonio,TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:46:32 GMT

It still has the problem of being designed by Rutan which means it was never designed to be a commercial vehicle. It was designed to have a rudimentary place for a pilot and someplace to stuff instruments. Once anything more than paint is used to create an interior you cant put paying customers in it, let alone the style and comfort customers who can afford a $200,000 ticket are used to.

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Dr. B.G.Sandman — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:46:59 GMT

Sic itar ad astra!

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EW BoccaBello St. Petersburg, Florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:48:54 GMT

every small step mankind takes into the shadows of the future is simply an anchronism. Mankind would be void of wonderment,curiosity, invention and content to live outside the shadows of the future, never willing to dream, explore or stumble upon amazement, living in the dark with eyes wide open.

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FrothingMad — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:53:30 GMT

Time for the people to seize assets being wasted on childish entertainment and plow them into important project serving the greater good -- like PETA's leave a clean planet for after mankind's extermination by PETA's kill off mankind the spoiler virus.

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John Giles, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:54:08 GMT

It's about time!! We're about 20 years behind where we should be right now, but we need to move forward with any and all space travel/exploration. Robert Heinlein would be proud of you Branson!

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Lloyd, Newport Beach, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:03:36 GMT

If they are going to announce something of this magnitude to the world one would think that their servers would be robust enough to handle the expected web traffic. I've had nothing but timouts and incomplete pages since this was released. If they can't get a simple web page done will anybody really want to fly on this?

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Tom Rothwell, Chilliwack BC Canada — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:09:13 GMT

Congratulations to Burt & Richard. You make man kind proud!

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Oscar Peter Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:12:34 GMT

Great, I congratulate Sir Branson, his tremendous vision, faith and believe in humanity (or the advancement of the human race beyond planet Earth.)

Best of luck!!!

From OP Hermanus (23/1/2008)

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MARK ALLENBAUGH, FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:14:08 GMT

How stupid. Wouldnt that kind of money be better spent on more practical things? Rich people are rediculous spenders.

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Dave, Jacksonville, FL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:14:41 GMT

so how much $ will it cost me to go to space?

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Johnny Doee, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:15:43 GMT

The world is not ready for space travel. It is not going to happen!

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Alan Sheets — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:19:22 GMT

I don't have the money for riding SS2, but how much for a trip on WhiteKnight2?

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KP — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:21:49 GMT

This is cool.. but suborbital flight is much, much easier than orbital flight, no? Wonder when commercial orbital flight (and beyond) will start, driving down prices way below NASA figures?

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doug lanzaro, monterey, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:23:56 GMT

i was 40 yrs ago involved with the space program today we need to continue with exploration i commend you for your efforts mans intellect must be challanged to the max for us to survivepush the envelope the sky is not the limit not using our brains is bravo and all the best with your endeavor

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Cathy Adamic, Hollywood — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:27:34 GMT

Bravo to these guys! Only hope the price tag will come down A LOT so us average types can enjoy the ride! We need another great space race!

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Justin, Mattituck, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:28:04 GMT

Interesting, but how will these frequent trips effect the atmosphere and the Earth's environment? I'm sure that rockets cause some kind of damage in the atmosphere.

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Bob Drake, Anaheim, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:29:06 GMT

Nice... good to see the development is coming along.

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Workin trash, NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:36:13 GMT

Who can fault the rich for being ecentric? While people can't get decent wages, solid retirements and healthcare the tycoons who've sucked out the middle class's life blood can literally look down at those they have only been able to act like they are above. Quite a spectacle but I surely won't mourn when one blows up.

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Space fan, chicago, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:37:03 GMT

Looks an awful lot like the shuttlecraft of Babylon 5. What goes around....

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Seth Patrick, fitchburg, mass — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:40:01 GMT

So now the rich can go into space? What about all the fuel they'll burn up and the emissions it will give off and help destroy the ozone faster, I mean seriously all for some rich people to fly around?

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Bill Busby, Saint Charles, Mo — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:40:28 GMT

I'm 60 years old and have dreamed of Space since I was a kid. In the 50's I listened to the launches from the Cape on my transistor radio while riding the bus to school. I really believed that someday I would fly in Space. Now I'm old and realize this will never happen, but thanks to people like Branson and Rutan maybe some wide-eyed kid dreaming of the stars will get the chance! Good work guys and God Speed in your work!

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The Bridge Building Rocket Scientist, Redding, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:41:27 GMT

Too cool! We all look forward to the birth of the space tourism age!

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Mike, Lubbock, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:43:46 GMT

I love this kind of thing! This is what being an Earthling and a space explorer and space traveler is about. I dream of greater things than stupid wars and fighting in Iraq or wherever. I dream of eventually traveling to Europa and setting up planetary villages and studying and learning about our solar system and our universe. We should spend money on this and not on war in the ideal world. But, it is not an ideal world. I only wish that I could live to be 400 or 500 and do these things.

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Ivan Marti, Beaver Dam, Az. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:43:50 GMT

I'm a big sci/fi fan, and I knew it would happen some day. Just Bummed that I can't afford it. Good luck guys.

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emmanuel petrakakis,maputo,mocambique — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:45:20 GMT

this pioneer stuff its wonderful! unfortunately the world is imploding to look at this positively..
it would equally valuable if parallel to this you supported orgs like Marssociety and other space group serious about reaching Mars and beyond. Giving NASA specific projects support for example!! keep it up anyway.... and well done !

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teacup — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:48:31 GMT

why don't they take the money here on earth and put it to good use, instead of going to space..Take it and use it for globe warming to stop it before it is to late..
Or give to the poor USA people with jobs and bring it back to USA. Instead of the oversea's.
No, one thinking of USA people they just want to make money off the poor

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Scott B, San Jose, California — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:50:10 GMT

I think this is AWESOME !! We'd be on Mars already in the private sector had been involved 20 years ago. Virgin Galactic has already gone farther faster than NASA has in 4o+ years !!! Go Virgin ...you ROCK !!!

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Michelle — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:53:04 GMT

That would be such an amazing experience! If only I had the money to do it.

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Gabe Bennett Salem, OR — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:53:50 GMT

Wow! The more things change, the more they stay the same. Anyone else notice that SS2 bears more than a passing resemblance to the abortive USAF X-20 Dyna-Soar of the early 1960's?

I hope it flies as well as it looks and doesn't have the same spin tendancy as SS1 did.

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P.Mangio — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:57:36 GMT

Looks like progress. Hope flight is not as scary and control is more even.

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Mcleroy, Anchorage, AK — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:57:58 GMT

This is truly awsome a milestone that many of us have waited for. YES!!!!

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spiderman laveen az — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:59:05 GMT

that was cool the rockets are nice

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Rolando Velarde, Brownsville, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:06:33 GMT

I've been waiting for quite awhile to see the new designs and read about what they'll do.... I'd say very much worth that wait.... Too bad that a flight is way out of reach.... How about my ashes when I finally move on? I've always wanted to go to space!!

PS Hope that those who gave their lives for this endeavor are somehow remembered on that first flight....

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Matt Collins — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:07:02 GMT

Rutan ROCKS!!!!!!

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Stella, North Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:07:25 GMT

I see that when I took the time to offer my comments earlier, it was in vain. Apparently, my realism and my critical review of this event did not meet your single minded and slanted viewpoint. I will refrain from offering my comments to your blog in the future, and reading anything Boyle has to offer. Did they offer you a free ride or something?

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Bob — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:09:51 GMT

Love it. This is capitalism at it's best, not some socialistic idealism. It takes real (unequal) money to accomplish big ideas like this.

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Adam Quartarolo, Grand Forks, ND — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:10:21 GMT

It's companies like Virgin that at least give me hope that not all of humanity cares only for earthly matters, and never realises there is an infinite universe out there waiting for us to explore.

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brian werth, robertsdale, alabama — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:10:37 GMT

thats just the stupidest thing i have ever heard of. what do these people have nothing better to do with their money then to waist it on this.

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RAY BOOMSHEA, RAPID FALLS, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:10:51 GMT

THEY'RE GONNA CRASH AND BURN. I MEAN LOOK AT THIS PHOTO OF THEM, THEY'RE OBVIOUSLY NUTS!!

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Earthbound Alien — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:11:17 GMT

This design looks sound! As a current space traveler, I think it will work well for most earthlings, as they take their first baby steps into space flight.

Our prime directive prohibits us from interring with Earths progression into space travel, we are, however impressed with the forward thinking of some.

Good Luck.

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kellen, denver, coll — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:11:54 GMT

this guy, branson, certainly has a passion for the ostentatious. sailing around the world on a hot air balloon has failed multiple times, now he wants to try to put people into orbit? not sure i would trust a guy who can't figure out how to get it done on earth. don't get me wrong i would love to see the curvature of our planet, just not buddied up with a guy who is a aeronautics hobbyist.

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Nathaniel R. Pope III, Euless, Texas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:12:05 GMT

this will be an interesting year it will be more interesting the next year as well. if what they say about the more passengers they have. the more the prce will go down.

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Dave Wayne — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:13:53 GMT

I grateful for the pioneers like Virgin that is expanding our presence. I know there's pressure to focus only on local terrestrial issues, but the reality of it is that Virgin's investment in this capability will directly go back into the US economy by creating high paying high tech jobs to build and operate SpaceShipTwo - the very kind of jobs that are hard to export. I'm also grateful that Europe had the foresight to invest in exploration back in the 15th century. They had their struggles with health care, education, the environment, and the poor as well, but gratefully they invested in our future which as Americans we all enjoy.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Don Pleune, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:15:55 GMT

How shallow those people are who think that investing time and money into space exploration is a big waste. Our only hope for long-term survival is the advancement of our space program. We have all benefitted already from scientific research that has been tested outside of our stratosphere.

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Mike O'Brien Louisville, Kentucky — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:17:25 GMT

I"d sure like to see Branson and Rutan collaborate on a truly fuel efficient mass transit system that could be modified to fit any geographical location without making a major environmental impact. Let us ALL benefit from their innovative thinking.

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John Jones — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:17:28 GMT

Who cares, grow up people

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Rob — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:22:49 GMT

Don't confuse space exploration with money-making. This is nothing but a bunch of rich folks floating around in space for kicks. Read the article. Pathetic.

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Richard Hernandez,las vegas, nv — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:24:14 GMT

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.
because the bold will leave!!!!

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Stafford Carter, New Orleans, LA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:25:00 GMT

There's something better out there, this is a throw-back model. Seek greater minds.

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Hassan Kaseb — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:25:34 GMT

Is thrilling to be alive if I finally can witness explorations beyond moon. Hope stay alive to experience maximum happiness.

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peter gainesville florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:25:36 GMT

Bill Busby..you are not too old! I'm 60 also and still that wide eyed kid and ready for space travel and the next 60 years!

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Michael DeCorsey Little Falls, Minnesota — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:26:16 GMT

Congradulations to everyone involed in the process of bringing this dream into a reality. My prayers are with you and I wish you lots of blesings. Remeber one thing, " There will be niether Good Nor Evil in outer space until mankind puts it there "

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Greg, Chicago area — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:32:35 GMT

Mr. Rutan is a genius in my opinion, on the order of DaVinci, Newton and Einstein. And cheers to Mr. Branson for the foresight and courage to back such an undertaking.

These are the heroes to which we all should look!

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Realist, Anywhere, USA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:33:29 GMT

Wake up, teacup! You have bought a bogus bunch of lies concerning global warming. As for the poor, since poor is a relative term, you will always have poor - duh! And for union-like job protection, move to a socialist country where everything gets driven to the least common denominator. Let enterprise do what it does best: Drive innovation!!

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Matt, New Orleans, LA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:33:39 GMT

They copied Nazi plans for spaceship one, I wonder where they got the inspiration for this one. http://www.luft46.com/db/dbbombb.html

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JD, Palatine, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:34:21 GMT

What is the reason for this, this goes to show us where the human priorities are, they should use all the money for project such as this which will be only available for only those who can afford it to help save starvation and other sufferings in the world.

What a joke...and who cares?

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Jenn, Chicago, IL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:37:37 GMT

I see a lot of people are scolding this corp. for spending this money on this new design instead of giving it away to all the starving children and developing countries. I feel for all of those causes. But isn't it great that there is another company out there other than NASA that can make these kind of tech and travel advances possible? These kind of changes can affect the entire world in ways we can't even imagine. It's just so exciting to think about.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Jerry S — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:38:39 GMT

To all of the naysayers that mock technological advances and somehow say "how dare they do this instead of addressing world hunger", you need to realize that most of our technological advances in medicine and the sciences were brought about because of advances in space...If you would spend a few moments to take a look at Virgin Corp's doings, you would see that Sir Richard Branson pours his profits into everything from bringing water and food to Africa, to addressing global warming. Remember these are "private individuals and their funds". If you want to address money being spent foolishly, write to your Representative in Congress, and stop foolishly bashing something inspirational.

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sal NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:39:02 GMT

where do i sign up for the free ride

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Todd, Billerica, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:40:08 GMT

Great to see it coming along nicely.

Keep up the good work Scaled.

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James, Laurel, MD — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:40:14 GMT

Man I love watching bleeding hearts whine.

That thing looks sexy. $200,000 isn't bad, though I'll wait a few years till the price drops. Figure ten or fifteen years and it'll be down to $50k or so. It'll make a helluva retirement gift.

Starve more hungry people! Send more bullets to Africa! Save the future for people with a future.

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John Doe Seattle Wash — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:40:47 GMT

Hope I can go into space in my life time?

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Eric Spencer, Lakewood, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:44:04 GMT

Hey as long as we continue taking steps forward, then we're taking steps in the right direction. It may not ever become a reality in our lifetimes, but our children or our grandchildren will someday be the ones to benefit from all of our hard work. Lets just not even lose focus on the goals at hand... space.q

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captainsmass ny — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:44:26 GMT

let the rich go first they need them to go first to buffer the cost besides if they have a problem its one of them and not us in time we will hitch a ride on one of the generic startups maybe spaceship blue round trip for 200 dollars byo food and movies

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Todd, Billerica, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:47:32 GMT

To all the ignorant posters... This is a very similar design the SpaceShipOne which flew to space 3 times in 2004.

To all the hypies that think we should solve all our problems on Earth before we head to the stars... We are human, we will never solve ALL our problems, please give it a rest.

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John H, Huntsville, AL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:47:59 GMT

Its not the US government's duty to spend tax dollars toward spaceflight! NASA should be shut down and its patents/technologies sold to pay off the federal debt. There is now enough motivation for private companies to invest their money to exploit, i mean, explore space.

How about The Capital One/Google Mission to Mars, sponsored by ConAgra Foods and The Altria Group? Let my tax dollars go to pay raises for teachers, cops, and firefighters.

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mike — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:48:07 GMT

That thing looks like a hunk of junk...
Thier all going to die...................

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Adam, Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:48:51 GMT

If $200k is too much for you to spend on a flight to space, fret not! Comparatively, that $20 CD that you just bought at the Virgin Mega Store in the mall will be $9.95 at your local Best Buy or Circuit City. It shouldn't be too long before these two competitors are offering rides into space at half the price. AND if you join their rewards card clubs, you'll get coupons in the mail for additional savings!

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John Stover — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:52:50 GMT

Just sitting here in Phoenix, drinking my space energy drink, Antimatter, and reading the posts. Looks like the visionaries are out-posting the Luddites. I'm not to excited about the rich folks getting rides to space but I like the push. There will be spin offs - there always are.

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Sigmar Potthartz — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:53:55 GMT

To all the haters: What's your problem? This is a private enterprise, Branson can spend his money anyway he wants to. I think he is doing exactly the right thing but if you don't think so keep it to yourself. It's his money.
And BTW: If you think the money that is being spent on this project would make any difference if it were spent on fighting poverty, disease etc. you simply haven't got a clue. This is small change compared to the money governments around the world waste each day on projects that are truly useless.
One more thing: I love it how some know-it-all guys shoot off their mouth about how this is no big deal. As if they actually knew what they're talking about. Just love it.

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T Tetrault , Hanford,CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:55:43 GMT

When I was a kid and man first walked on the moon, I dreamed of our nation building a Moon base and using science, technology and chemistry to build, maintain and populate the moon. But it did not happen. Time passed and the US was building reuseable space craft to launch and place satelites in orbit, or rocketing research probes to some outer limits destination. Now its a multi National Space Station. Its always been NASA or some country's government run agency reseaching and developing craft and rockets to the stars. A private agency, dealing in cargo or passenger delivery to the space station is not a bad thing. Competition and Ingenuity are good for research and development. The lower the cost to bring space closer to us all, the better. I believe we are years behind where this all could be, but the world is too focused on "the ground". The Space Station should be "built" and functioning. We should be developing and building ships to launch from the space station to explore already. Blame it all on "2001, a space odyssey".

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Mike, State College PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:58:26 GMT

all of these people saying "this is stupid" and "this is not possible" are clearly very uneducated. They have already done it once on a smaller scale. Try watching tv or keeping up on the news. These guys are working on advancing society and technology unlike the hillbillies posting on here about how stupid it is. What is wrong with it? Don't talk about the price tag, what do you expect it to be free? do you not realize that millions of dollars have gone into developing this? And they are all private dollars funded by people that have a dream. Maybe something a lot of people on here should work on doing, find something you can care about and get behind instead of bashing the ideas and dreams of other innovative and adventurous people.

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Glen, Albany NY — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:05:13 GMT

1. Who cares about the starving and unhealthy and war-torn people? That arguement is SO overused. You people sound pathetic when you talk like that. Space is infinitely more interesting and worthful than people who are in despair.

2. To respond to a comment above, the craft's belly is the only part to experience heat during re-entry. The wings fold up for minimal drag too. And, it enters the atmosphere at a fraction the speed that NASA's shuttle enters, so even less heat and friction.

3. It might cost 200K now for a ride, but economies of scale always kick in (unless, of course, you're a Gov't agency). The more people who pay now, the less people will pay down the line. I anticipate 50K per ride in 5 years.

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:06:13 GMT

I'm fine with driving or taking a boat.

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ED OLIVER,HOT SPRINGS,AR — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:07:20 GMT

I WONDER WHAT THE TRAVEL INS COST WOULD BE FOR THE 1ST TRIP? IF YOU HAVE THE 200K FOR THE TICKET THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM.

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Derek, Marquette, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:08:18 GMT

Ok, ok...I understand that people think that this endevor that these guys are spending millions of dollars for could be better spent in other areas. I get that this is new tech and we could keep going with old tech. My problem is people could have said that about finding a vaccine for smallpox. People could have said that about the automobile. Paper. The modernization of the textile industry. Without those innovations, without people thinking outside the normal paramaters, we would still be swinging clubs at Mastadons. I guess that nobody is happy with what we have accomplished with what we have on this planet. Sure, we have made mistakes, but we have helped so many. There will always be the poor, sick, hungry, and uneducated. Should that hold back progress? Should we halt everything that we have done so we can pour money into something that could never be stopped? Being idealistic is not bad. Being bull-headed and simple minded about what others should do with what they have earned is.

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Joe Bob Hankey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:09:38 GMT

Ok. Sooo, I have 200k to spend on my kids' college, but I really want to go into space, but not really space...Just to sub-orbital-edge-of-the-atmosphere "space" so that I can see some of the curvature of the planet and feel weightlessness and a bit of vertigo for a brief amount of time.

All the while, I could die, leaving my kids uneducated and without a parent. But woohoo, I got to go to almost-space.

I dunno, sky-diving for $200.00 or so will give me the same result, and I get to pocket the other $199,800.00. Still, it's a toss-up.

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j,instruct` — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:11:22 GMT

space flight should by now be taught in schools. what do these rich fanatics think, we are a bunch of dummies? With their arrogant, pathetic nature do they want everything their way?

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Robert, Atl, GA, GATECH AE student — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:14:30 GMT

ok, time to get technical
she never gets high enough to worry about atmospheric heating
she never exceeds about mach 2 or so
she only goes to the "edge" of space, about 62 miles I think, just high enough to be considered in "space"
she can't get high enough to the ISS as this would require heat shielding

this is MUCH more efficient than a straight launch from ground, takes less than HALF the fuel launching from a mother ship at that altitude then from the ground

remember that when air travel by plane first came out, it was expensive too, so the price will drop, especially if they can find a way to design a suborbital commercial flight, imagine a flight from LA to Japan in about 1 hour, and without a huge fuel cost

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Ken Smith, Disputanta, VA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:15:20 GMT

“Beautiful” is so inadequate. These ships are awe inspiring. These guys will inspire a whole new breed of aeronautical and aerospace engineers. Another leap for mankind.

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A. Brown — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:16:03 GMT

Personally, I think that this is probably just a stepping stone. "Spaceship Two" is really just a bit of a redo of the old X-15's technologies. While this would not be something big for the government, considering how much of the details of the X-planes are still kept classified, there is little way a Civilian could be "re-hashing" old technologies.

For those saying this is litle more then a joy-ride for the Rich, please remember that when it started, so was airtravel. I would expect, as with air travel, that as the technology is refined, as the designs are worked on more, and as corproations get more experience with this, that the ticket prices of Sub-orbitals will go down. Also, remember, that most NASA people do have "non-competition" clauses in their contracts, so most cannot work for these bringing their know-how to the table.

The only major downside I see right now is that Sub-Orbitals, like Spaceship Two, will have few places to land right now, so that there will be little real decrease in travel times initially. If there was a Spaceport Europe, Spaceport Asia, Spaceport South America, and Spaceport Africa, it would actually be a travel saver. Right now, though, yes, it is little more then a joy-ride. However, it is also a way to define and hone the technologies, and I hope that we see various spaceports opening around the world in the not too distand future. Then we can start really talking about the future of "space travel"

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Fred Livingstone-Higgingbottom 3rd — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:19:28 GMT

It has taken Boeing many years to devolop the latest version on 787. The airplane did not take off on a test flight yet. Now we have this crazy Brit who think that he will get his aircraft BUILT from a window model and TESTED and put into commercial use in 2 years? Ridiculous. He must have eaten too much of the british beef.. Luckily, for his father is 89.. (for those who do not understand british beef pun, brit cows have a disease where its brain becomes spongy. The disease can be contracted by human when meat from sick cows is eaten even decades ago.. )

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gene allen farmington new mexico — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:19:37 GMT

It seems to me that with today's technology you just could't get on the plane and fly to mars and land back at the same airport...If we are going to spend that kind of money lets do it right

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ofb springfield il — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:24:00 GMT

where is the bathroom on that thing?

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brian werth, robertsdale, al — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:24:44 GMT

this is for all the people sayin to keep your comments to your self hate to tell you but its a free country and last time i checked we do have freedom of speech if i find this a waste of money i have every right to say it its my opinion and soldier have fought and died for my right to say it. i dont understand why so many people think this is a good idea they have been sitting around watching 1 too many reruns of startrek. well now i have to get back to work cause i dont have 200,000 grand to just throw away.

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John doe — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:32:58 GMT

What about the people that don't have 200,000? So its for the rich folks.

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dave, foster city, ca — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:36:59 GMT

One mans money cannot save the world.
One mans dream can inspire us all.

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Kevin McNamee — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:40:57 GMT

It seems to me that it will be more of a challange to land the WhiteKnight2 safely than to launch SpaceShip2.
But it's very exciting, and I have a lot of faith in Burt Rutan.
But for some reason, Richard Branson reminds me of Mr. Flint on that Star Trek episode "Requium for Methuselah"...

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Sam Kendall Irvington Ky. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:42:20 GMT

If not for the space program , we would NOT have many , many of the things we take for granted today ! Such as medecines & technology !

Please people , THINK before you speak ?

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Michael Perry. Boston,Ma — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:47:21 GMT

The jet fuel is it safe?

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ED OLIVER,HOT SPRINGS,AR — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:47:33 GMT

I HOPE THEY LAND THIS BABY IN ROSWELL NM AS THAT WILL GIVE ROSELL AND THE HISTORY CHANNEL SOME NEW MATERIAL TO TALK ABOUT.

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David L, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:48:00 GMT

$200,000 per person today for the ride. $2000 in 5 years. No worries. Price always goes down when the novelty wears off. Will be safer too.

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Greg, Mobile, Al — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:48:06 GMT

Paris Hilton??? Flying on "Virgin" Spacecraft??? Talk about irony...

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Caleb T. Paulson, St. Paul, Minnesota — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:48:35 GMT

well, i've read most of the comments, its not that I dont agree with what they say, about the starving poor, but, I think this is awesome. If you have the money, go for it, if you dont, well, dont.

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Mace Windu (The Jedi Master) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:48:46 GMT

Thats a good Idea,I,d like to by stock,because he could become the first trillionaire,years down the line....p.s. I have a engine with hyper drive for sale with only 524,000 miles on it,getting married,and must sell,going cheap,SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY.

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Chester Smith — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:50:18 GMT

I,m really happy for anyone who has $200,000 to go on such an adventure. It's your money,...ENJOY!!!

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Josh — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:54:55 GMT

For all those worried of wars, global warming, and the seemingly extravagent exploration of space.

Why we should go in ANY capacity we are capable of:

There is enough Helium-3 in the regolith of the moon to meet power concerns on the Earth (all of it) for 300 years. That's just one resource.

ALL of our problems are defined by our quest for energy, whether hydrocarbon or not. Space holds more resources then we can currently count (JUST COUNT NOT NECESSARILY HARVEST!). We'll reduce problems with war, poverty, and global warming by advancement into space. If we are to find solutions to "all" or any of our problems we will find them in the black NOT on Earth (geo or oceanic). I'd bet my house, the farm, and my future ability to eat on simple laws of chance (space VERY, VERY, VERY big, possibly infinite; our biosphere finite).

As for the cost: Thirty years ago, when they made the first computers, nobody could afford them then. Everyone reading this article has access to one now.

Godspeed to all who would dare explore the black.

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Loel Ewart Ozark, AL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:55:16 GMT

After reading all comments, I find it odd that many believe this is all worthless. If rich men want to drive the human race forward, and not the government, all the better. Free Interprise will do more than governnments in promoting the future and furturistic agendas. I recognize there are many problems on this planet, and all that want the money to go towards those problems are free to GIVE as much as they desire. I hope this project takes on a life of it's own and performs to expetations. The future of the human race is space exploration and colonization of other worlds. This earth is fast becoming overcrowded and will not be able to sustain the growing number of humans in the foreseeable future. Go Space!!!

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Sanduma Gnivth — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:58:22 GMT

This is to John Stover in Phoenix. Dude, I've got you beat. In 45 minutes I'm heading to Kelly's for a space beer. It's that Comet's Tail stuff made locally from yeast flown in space.

From there I will contemplate all of the shallow thinkers that just don't get it. I agree that I don't care about the rich guys and whether they go to space or not. But this is a start and the spin offs will be great.

These are the same knuckleheads that laughed at Christopher Columbus - what a waste, the money could be better spent at home.

The future is for the bold - the timid need not apply.

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derek — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:01:16 GMT

Hey!!!! Good news!!! Virgin just hired Elvis as their senior pilot.

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Jonathan, Allentown, Pa. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:03:56 GMT

To those that believe that resources are better served by feeding the poor I have a news flash. After the big meal you send to all those starving people they are going to have more energy to do what gets them in trouble in the first place, reproduce! So if you want more poor starving people go ahead. If you want to provide unlimited resources to be bound into human flesh we have to start making use of space something we are running out of on earth. There are no animals, people or plants to harm or exploit just resources and hope. With over six billion people on this planet unless you plan on eating people and using their fat for bio-diesel we need to explore. Private competition is going to lower the cost of exploration for all. It has nothing to do with conservation eventually human bodies will be carrying around much of the resources of this world. If you think NY, LA, Sri Lanka, Tokyo or Beijing is crowded now wait till our population doubles. Even if man lived by the strictest rationing what would we gain? Seriously let’s say we could double our capacity 12 billion people do you think there will be anything left after too long? No matter the number, there is no future. As many have said mother earth is fragile. Most have absolutely no idea how fragile. Man was given a great gift. That gift is not the blue and green jewel we all covet and fight over spinning about our sun. Our gift is our ability to hope to dream of a better tomorrow. To quote another visionary “I have a dream” that dream is not just of a world of free men but a Solar system. Were every one is free to seek fortune, adventure and wonder. And were everyone is free to live. I don’t know about you but I’d like a shot at the dinosaurs’ title. So what do you say shall we have a go, a go at were no man has gone before?
J.A.M. 1/23/2008

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Dexter, Pittsburgh PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:06:06 GMT

When do we get ships that look like the Melennium Falcon?

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Bruce Boyne - Danville, Ca — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:23:00 GMT

I cannot believe there are people out there that with complete and unabashed ignorance belittle others for using their creativity and inginuity.

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R Pettit, San Bernardino, Calif — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:24:43 GMT

I have been 8,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. I would love to go 68 miles above it.

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Jennifer Gaudet — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:27:02 GMT

neat space ship. looks like some an early Star Wars ship. i hope it makes it out there among the stars!

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Roy D. Hablewitz- Plymouth, Wisconsin, USA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:27:40 GMT

I think this is truly revolutionary, as well as historical. We need more of this kind of vision,
committment and results-oriented leadership in the public arena if we are to overcome obstacles as
human beings. Bravo, for all those who have contributed to this effort.
I would love to go up into space myself and would
welcome an invitation to do so.

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Tony Sabol Minnetonka, Minnesota — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:30:16 GMT

Awesome! I'm just your run-of-the-mill RN watching all this with great enthusiasm. I watched Space Ship One do the flights leading up to winning the Ansari X prize. Whether or not you agree with how Billionaires/Millionaires spend their own money, they are using that money to advance technology that could lead to inconceivable and as of yet, unforeseeable, benefits in the future...including technology that could help your starving children/disease, etc.

Let the whiners and naysayers mind their own business and let these guys carry on. Private enterprise is what it is. The whiners should be complaining about people who spend $40,000 on a food item that resembles a holy figure or what-have-you...and not on people that may actual end up helping to reduce governnment waste by creating a highly fuel efficient and reuseable form of space travel...saving me and you lots on taxes! Rock-on Burt and Richard!

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Eric, Colorado — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:31:54 GMT

To the people complaining about poverty and wasted resources to go into space: Think about the BILLIONS governments around the world have spent on rockets, satellites, and the "space race" since the beginning Cold War. Governments should be responsible for their peoples' wellfare, not shooting millions of dollars to no where. In my view moving space exploration to the private sector is the right move and should have been done long ago. For one, the government doesn't know what the term frugal or efficient means. Private business, on the other hand, is all about stretching every dollar. I say let the entreprenuer with the cash and the drive do what he wants and encourage governments to do a better job of meeting peoples' basic needs.

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samuel flannigan — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:36:59 GMT

cool

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Jerry S — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:43:30 GMT

To all of those that are bashing a really good man, Sir Richard Branson...saying he should do something better for humanity with his money...Step outside the box and realize that this man manages to employ thousands of people...and with this new venture create jobs for countless others...And for those of you that look at any inspirational exploit and have feel that you have to say "you could have done this better"...I have a feeling that most don't "put their money where there mouth is"...Sir Richard Branson is a good man and one that does exactly that...

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Tony Sabol — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:44:09 GMT

Quote from above "Personally, I think that this is probably just a stepping stone. "Spaceship Two" is really just a bit of a redo of the old X-15's technologies. While this would not be something big for the government, considering how much of the details of the X-planes are still kept classified, there is little way a Civilian could be "re-hashing" old technologies".

I disagree..the old X-15 and the current Space shuttle are limited by their incredible weight just for the fuselage...plus the added weight of heat shielding etc. for reentry. The feathering technique..which has already proven itself 3 times on re-entry is what is way beyond anything our government could conceive of. Added to that is the use of carbon fibers and composites that is being successfully used first on Space Ship One and now, hopefully, with Space Ship Two. There are obviously people commenting on here who don't have clue one as to the successes of Space Ship One...break out a Google or Yahoo search before you comment and read up on the topic.

This is the reality of the future. Private commercial flights and beyond is here to stay and will only progress that much faster with private investments. I'd bet Virgin puts a man on Mars years before the U.S. or other world government does...Private individuals are not limited by all the red tape.

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-greg-........parkersburg WEST (BY GOD) VIRGINIA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:47:25 GMT

gosh this sounds crazy!looking at NASA,s record for the last 50 years, i think branson is jumping in a but to quickly (having no record at all)!..the oddsmakers will surely put this one in at (win/lose 20/80) possibly less!...for those travelling,...kindly add me as your next of kin!.-greg-:)

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Jennifer Gaudet, Kodiak, Alaska — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:48:47 GMT

way to go guys. you know, lots of people would call you crazy, but its always the crazy people who actually invent these kind of things. like they say, shoot for the moon. if you miss, you'll land among the stars. good luck. i hope SS2 is successful!

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Curt — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:54:00 GMT

Hope this all works and no one gets killed.

Just one accident and this entire space tourism industry will be shut down by the government.

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Don James — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:59:08 GMT

At first I was hppay to read this.Then by chance I read about the three lives lost in making this project possible or as it is today.Tothink thes men are proud to go public and not expres there dismay of the loss of life.I'd be compensting these families IMEDIATLEY.There list of priorties is pathetic.
My heart and my prayers go out to these familes who have lost there lives so these rich sob's can do what they are doing. Rich fools with nothing else to do with there money,Ya ever notice how rich people get bored withtere own success and do sensless things ?
If you don't I do. I see it every day on the news.How sad.

Don

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Jennifer Gaudet, Kodiak, Alaska — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:02:13 GMT

I read a couple articles about how space ships and telescopes benefited society down here on earth. like the space ship Apollo something. something in the Apollo helped in the creating of the artificial heart. i read a bunch of the comments, lots of them saying we need to figure out everything on Earth before we go for the stars, but look everyone, space stuff helps a ton down here! so i hope the SS2 is a success. i'll save up my money so i might be able to get a ride. i always wondered what our little planet looked like from outer space. i want to see it in person; i'm tired of looking at photos. so please make this happen!

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Tony Sabol Minnetonka, Minnesota — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:04:07 GMT

-Greg from West Virgina....go do a computer search...Branson has ALREADY been successful with this project...4 years ago!!! Where were you at?? It's already worked and worked 3 times!! Space Ship TWO is only bigger than the first version so it will carry more people. To anyone else ignorant of what has already happened type in ANSARI X PRIZE or SPACE SHIP ONE before saying that "TWO" will be unsuccessful.

Anyway...sign me up for a trip when the price drops to $10,000 a ticket..I've gotta get out of graduate school though to start making some more money again though...

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Jack W., Augusta,GA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:07:32 GMT

To everyone who can afford such a venture, GO FOR IT. As for me , I am trying to figure out how to honestly get the money to be amoung the fortunate.

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Scott, Joplin, MO — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:14:03 GMT

Read a book named "Your Spaceflight Manual" by David Ashford and Patrick Collins published by Crescent Books in 1990. They had written out exactly what is happening right now with space flight. They used the evolution of modern air travel as an example of how space flight is evolving. As more and more companies and eventually private people actually accomplish space flight, the costs will be reduced. Air travel was once the domain of the rich and priveliged, but now anyone can buy a ticket. The same is happening now. We are at the beginnings of an era that will, in time, open new doors in not only technology and economics, but to badly needed resources and energy sources. Don't let the attitudes of instant gratification slow down or stop this march into our futures.

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Chris, La Pine, Oregon — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:28:06 GMT

I'm sorry to say but poverty, disease and wars will always be with us. Many exceedingly wealthy people spend a lot more than 200K on much less interesting and innovative 'luxuries'.
At least this might capture the imagination of some kids and inspire them towards science.

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j. atriedies ,tustin ca. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:35:14 GMT

To all those here who thimk this is a waste of money.i suppose you would be against the first ships that crossed the atlantic,or columbus.or the wright bros.What is wrong with you!?Humanity is an explorer spiecies by definition. A civilization cannot last if it does not achieve .Stay home with all the conveinences you surround yourselves with and think how miserable your pathetic take no chances life is.With out people like rutan and others you would be living in a cave ,naked and shivering in the cold.(unless you are one of those anti humanity peta fools who hate themselves and wish humans were not around).To you i say humanity is far better off without you and your muddled thinking.Go back to your caves!

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mr .mot — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:46:22 GMT

coooool!!!!!!!!!!! The first step to the future.Well at least one of them.I wonder if the vulcans will detect this thing and come over and say whats up beeatches!!(their chicks are soooo hot!)

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VNguyen, Los Angeles — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:50:19 GMT

A vertical shot straight up into space like what SpaceShip One did (and SpaceShip Two will do) is only a fraction of the energy required to orbit the earth. These crafts therefore do not have to be too concerned with aeroheating during their flights back.
To be able to orbit the earth or reach the ISS is an entirely different matter. The amount of energy that needs to be dissipated as heat during re-entry requires the kind of advanced technology on the thermal protection system that at this point in time only the big governments can afford.
My guess is it will be while before we will see private companies doing re-entry from orbit with passengers. 10-20 years?

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Fernando Billada , Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:54:47 GMT

dang! $200k? i guess that sounds reasonable. hopefully in 2045 i will be make $300 an hour.

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craig, ohio — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:22:12 GMT

it does not even go to the "stars" you can fly as high as it goes in a helium ballon. it is not that neat. . buy a ballon, or a used sr71

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Robert, LV, NV — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:27:09 GMT

Only one company I know of is working on bringing spaceflight to the general public - not just the ultra-weathly. This would be the spaceflight corp. Orbital for less than 50K. These Branson guys have no clue.

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BMS — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:32:14 GMT

Nothing but pretty pictures, and you guys go ape. At least I have a rocket. Something that will actually fly. Nice scale models though, can I buy those off the web somewhere? As I have said from day one, the media sucks [...]

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Caramba, Marion, IL — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:22:18 GMT

Skept-ticks and mites!

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Robert Henderson, El Paso, TX — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:29:10 GMT

Congratulations to Branson and Rutan. I am thrilled for them that they are spending their own funds to develop this technology and do it for a tiny fraction of what NASA spends.
Talking about the cost of future flight, look at aviation today. 70 years ago, some transatlantic flights cost twice the average person's yearly salary. Now you can do it for less than 1 week's salary. Anything new and innovative will cost a lot, but if it is worth it, people will pay for it and costs will eventually come down. True, only the rich can afford to fly now. But if the rich support the endeavor, look at what can be learned and developed as a result of their financial support. There is no telling what come come of this. For those many, many folks who can't afford to fly on this sub-orbital flight, NO MONEY is coming out of YOUR pocket. So quityurbitchen! No one can have EVERYTHING they want or desire, not even the rich folks.
Robert Henderson El Paso, Tx

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Mark D, Menasha, WI — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:34:58 GMT

Awesome! I love all the pictures. The engineering of Burt Rutan, the enterprising spirit of Mr Branson combining to capture the hearts and imagination of the world. Sure the rich get to go first. But like all things new, the first adopters get it first, but pay more. With time the availabilty will go up, and the price will come down. I read other who say that thousands of children die of starvation every day, and say that the money spent on space is wasted. The money spent on space breeds technology, knowledge, engineering. Advances in medicine, computers, and gives us a sense of wonder and is central to the spirt of advancing humanity. We need to stop making bombs, and kiling. Wars are what breed famine. Poverty breeds famine. We need the inspiration of pioneers.. Thank you!!

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Ron, Ambler PA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:36:14 GMT

This makes me so happy to see - it is is a wonderful achievement. It is the first step for private citizens with the means to experience the edge of Space (short of the $20M and many months of training required to ride a Soyuz to the I.S.P.) I wish the developers and customers all of the very best as you build, test and start commercial flights. Personally, I would want to wait for orbital flight, but that is an order of magnitude more complex and expensive.

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curtis, lincoln, california — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:50:33 GMT

one must accept the contribution jet and rocket flight makes to destruction of earth's atmosphere. it is so completely well documented how heavily all flight based travel pollutes, i won't dwell on it. just google it if you don't believe me. the point should be to develope a launch structure that makes use of the least pollution causing architecture.

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Fred Singer, Huntington Beach, CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:12:48 GMT

This is more than a "pointless joyride" for billionaires, it's the start of a new industry. Everything starts out expensive (remember the first VCRs cost thousands?) and later the price comes down. For the bragging rights of being first, crazy rich people spend big bucks and help pay for the R&D. Eventually we'll all be flying in space -- and complaining about bad food, lost luggage, etc.

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bruce, maryville,tn — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:48:09 GMT

maybe later with advanced space travel we can realize our purpose in this huge universe. it will open new doors to beliefs.

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Mike Puckett, Charleston, WV — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:56:19 GMT

To all thoe complaining about how the rich spend their money. First remove the plank from your own eye and give all your income beyound the poverty level to the poor and sick.

Otherwise, you are just a bunch of whiny, pathetic, hypocrites!

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Dr.Yoda, Lansing,MI — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:07:34 GMT

A small step for Sir Branson and Spaceship 2 and a huge fast forward for mankind. Let the new Space Revolution begin. The industrial revolution is long gone. We need some amazing ideas like the spaceship so we can catapult mankind into the new millennium.
Dr Yoda

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ramon gonzales — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:29:05 GMT

An expensive joy ride...be up there...then what? i'll just give my 200G's to the needy.

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John Gallion — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:04:40 GMT

This is how mankind advances...not through government subsidies and federal agencies but through free individuals able to explore and invent on thier own. I wish them the best. If we want to become a spacefaring race, it's private enterprise that will take us there and keep us there.

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Buffantoo Brooklyn NY — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:15:48 GMT

Just more oxigen will be loaded away into the vacuum.
Degeneration of species, fatal routes of organic evolution.

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Erica Usher, Charlotte, NC — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:47:37 GMT

Is America great - or what?
This stuff makes dreamers of us all.
I'll be there for the first launch.

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John ten Have, Sydney, Australia — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:50:32 GMT

Fantastic effort!

Screw the naysayers, it is so much harder to think of reasons why and then go do it, than it is to think of reasons why not, and do nothing.

We are watching a genius in action. Some will never understand, some are even silly enough to advertise their ignorance. The rest of us are in awe!

Go Burt! The rest will catch up later!

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Ryan, Iraq — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:09:11 GMT

Why is everyone always making the line about poverty, disease. He worked, let him spend it how he pleases. It is awesome that they have the balls to try something new, and to reach for a dream. Now, were do I get a ticket.

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Greg G., Rochester, NY — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:02:43 GMT

IMHO, with all due respect to winning the X-prize, and with no reference to the three killed on the ground, Mr. Rutan is damn lucky that Mike Melvill didn't die on one of the flights when the horizontal stabilizer on SpaceShipOne went hard over and didn't respond until later in the flight - which might have caused a fatal spin upon descent.
Being an aerospace engineer, my perspective is that there is a distinct difference between a sub-orbital poking-your-nose-above-the-atmosphere experience, and orbital spaceflight with its completely different set of attending problems and solutions.
I don't dismiss the work of Scaled Composites as having no place in history - it does, but I do state that with the solutions to the flight regime they went after, design margins for an appropriate level of safety will be difficult to incorporate. Additionally, Scaled's solutions are not applicable to space commerce (beyond brief transient excursions), nor to anything NASA is trying to accomplish. In that regard, I think Elon Musk's SpaceX corporation is on a more correct track that will yield technical as well as practical solutions, and not just headlines and models.

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mika andreou, france — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:19:19 GMT

public space travel could be the next industry which could help us all gain maturity - go space ship two !

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Todd, Billerica, MA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:19:56 GMT

Greg,

1. Spaceship 2 is also Suborbital like Spaceship 1. It is the commercial version designed with computer controls, safety overrides, etc.

2. The mothership can also be used to launch things to orbit so there is a potential 2nd revenue stream.

3. I do agree with you that SpaceX and the Falcon rocket looks like a potential winner. Lowering the cost rockets can only lead to progress.

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Kevin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:44:17 GMT

About time! beleive me when i tell that any great
design/development technology will come from the
private industry. If do start traveling in space(
at least within this solar system) It will not be
design and manufatcurer from the government.

Just remember; the automobile was build in a garage.
not an army base.
K.S

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Leonard Muller , Greenfield Center, NY — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:59:14 GMT

GOD-SPEED GENTLEMEN (AND WOMEN) ! !

Wish I were younger and wealthy.

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cyrano, phoenix,az — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:50:01 GMT

I agree with others, the rich will have initial use of cool toys, and maybe 100 years from now (if anyone is still around) we might get to travel to space. The ship design is highly flawed, no imagination, nor technical expertise has gone into thinking of these projects. I am dissapointed. Obviously it proves that being rich, does not mean your bright or creative. If I had the kind of money I could build a far better space craft. What a waste. Stop thinking like humans and start thinking at higher levels, use that imagination and explore possibilities. I do not knock wanting to travel in space, but think about the reasons? To travel is to get to a destination. This whole concept to get into space is not enough. NASA has become bunch lazy none thinking, noncreative thoughtless folks. NASA and this project again show no real life. We are supposedly the most intelligent creatures on Earth, but I dissagree with that notion. We just happen to be the most ruthless, destructive, thoughtless animals. We just happen to be better at procreation than many other wonderful species. Humans have no reason to go into space until they mature. Even if there is life out there, they probably look at us like we are barbaric. I agree. Three thousand years and this is all we have to show for it;poverty, kids dieing, elite class that drives us into early graves, and worst of all we are still very animal like in our insticts. No real growth of humanity, sure our technology has improved but not much else has grown. Except our population.

cb

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greg erlandson san deigo ca. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:50:02 GMT

the government and congress are jelous on these guys,they have the money to do it and the government cant spend it on themselves.

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Vic Stathopoulos — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:53:37 GMT

I have been waiting for the announcement for the design for ages. I believe the space toursim is starting and I hope everything goes well. I like the new design alot. Vic

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Arun Nair — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:58:29 GMT

I don't have that kind of money to spend on such a wonderful experience now. But will certainly look forward to.........

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Todd, Sydney, NSW — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:59:11 GMT

Rutan is a genius .. for all those doubting thomases get the video "black sky" from your video shop and watch it ... Rutan with Paul Allens financial backing, created the first supersonic private plane .. and he did it not flying level but vertical, rutan also made the first private maned vehicle into space ... he has SS2 on the drawing board in 2004 and also preliminaries for SS3 (orbital) ... rutans feather for suborbital is brilliant, he doesnt need heat tiles because the plane simply doesnt get hot enough to need them ... watch the video ... mark my words rutan with bransons financial backing will change the way we look at space travel ... NASA (nay-say as rutan calls them) will see what can really be done ...

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Chris, Denver, CO — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:08:04 GMT

I love reading a majority of the posts...It just confirms my theory that 99.9% of the American population is stupid. For those of you that obviously have not researched or seen this project, the spaceship is named #2 because Rutan and his crew already built #1 and have been to space three times; also they won the X-Prize...But, I do not expect many of you to know that since all you know to do is speculate about soemthing you don't know much about and redicule it with your useless knowledge.

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Tom, Seattle, Washington — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:57:41 GMT

I saw Burt Rutan talk 2 years ago. This is the start of some big things! Sending up 6 or so people is just the beginning. Launching payloads into orbit on the cheap is the next step.

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Kip, Columbia, S.C. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:09:13 GMT

I'm curious. Do the people who so vociferously(look that up in your Funk&Wagnal) disapprove of this attempt at a major leap forward think we should still be riding horses and going out to the little building with the cresent moon on the door, Sears catalog in hand. Good thing they were not around it the days of Columbus or the Wright brothers. The human race needs to get off this rock before some radical miscreant pushes a button and turns our planet into a glowing blue cinder in space. In all fairness, I do agree that there are major problems that do need to be dealt with, but the money and effort expended by PRIVATE INDUSTRY would not buy a box of band-aids for the world's woes.

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Christine, North Carolina — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:39:36 GMT

Yeah, my ex talked about curing poverty and war before research as he drove off in his brand new $30K truck.There's a million political statements to be made on this. Reality is, research will go on, and I promise, even with the risks, had I the opportunity, I'd be strapping in on the first flight!

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Jon Doe Boston, Ma. — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:40:46 GMT

another disaster waiting to happen. Hope none of these fool's body parts land in my house.

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Roberto — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:15:10 GMT

This world has alot of people. They can not undertand a man's passion for his
goals and his need for adventure.
Good luck Virgin/R. Branson! Don't let the turkeys get your dreams (and our dreams)! We are all in this together.

Exploration of space, that is the final frontier!

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Columbus, OH — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:27:46 GMT

It really surprises me to see some of the harshly negative comments on this board in regard to not only the Virgin Galactic story, but the idea of human spaceflight in general. It is really disappointing to see so many Americans quick to dismiss the dream of spaceflight and exploration as a "waste of time and money" when we have so many other things on Earth to worry about. Yeah we sure have spent $500 billion on a worthy war and corporate subsidies over the past few years haven't we? Maybe they think the same thing about the Wright Bros. and their "worthless" flying machine or the "stupid waste of money" that was the first digital computers. Wake up and realize that the world moves forward whether you like it or not and without the dreamers to make this stuff possible you would still be living in caves huddled around a fire. What happened to the America that used to dream of a better future? What happened to the people who used to lead the world in science and technology? Oh wait I know...they now all live in China and India.

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Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:14:26 GMT

One hopes that the extra passenger cabin on White Knight Two might help bring down the per-ride costs a bit. Any news on what tickets on WK2 will cost initially?

If I had the cash sitting around, I'd sign up tomorrow. As for the safety factor, I'm gonna die one of these days anyway - what better way?

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Bob Krech, Saugus,MA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:35:31 GMT

I agree with theo pinion of Greg G., Rochester, NY that there is a distinct difference between a sub-orbital poking-your-nose-above-the-atmosphere experience, and orbital spaceflight with its completely different set of attending problems and solutions.

While Scaled's accomplishments are wonderful, it must be put into perspective. Space Ship One and Two are the modern civilian equivalents of the X-15 and are only possible due to the great technological developments over the intervening 40 year.

You can't compare these vehicles to the Space Shuttle or any other manned orbital platform. The design requirements of a Mach 5 suborbital vehicle are orders of magnitude less stringent than those of a manned Mach 20+ orbiter. The Russians charge $20,000,000 to bring a civilian into orbit and to visit Space Station in a 40 year old mass produced spacecraft. This cost is 100 times that of a ride on Space Ship Two, and it's not going to be any cheaper for a civilian program. You can dream all you want to, but the laws of Physics alsway bring you back to reality.

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Benjamin Smith, uncassvill, conneticut — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:40:45 GMT

If I could, I would go. It looks Awsome! and shame on you people who think it's rediculus

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BR , OKC, OK — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:44:14 GMT

FOR ALL OF YOU PEOPLE THAT HAVE ANYTHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS PROGRAM...YOU HAVE NO HEART, NO PASSION, NO DRIVE, AND PROBABLY SOUR THE DREAMS OF CREATIVE PEOPLE AROUND YOU EVERY DAY.

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stephan colorado springs — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:23:09 GMT

rediculous. . . what a waste of ingenuity. why not try and do something that will benefit more than just rich snobs

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Vince, Seattle WA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:29:59 GMT

another toy for the ultra rich....nice

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Frank Glover Rochester, NY — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:37:48 GMT

"Nice of Branson to make it seem like he has no ego either. How refreshing."

Things like this are never done by the meek, Derek. As long as it works, Burt is welcome to pump himself up all he wants....

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Joe Strout, Fort Collins, CO — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:12:16 GMT

Let me try to clear up some misconceptions seen in some of the comments here. First, on technical issues: No, this is not an orbital craft, and can't dock with any space station; it is a suborbital craft. This greatly reduces its thermal protection needs.

Now, on the issue of why rich guys should be able to spend some of their money however they want instead of on your favorite charity: I might ask the same of you if you buy a pizza or go out to dinner instead of eating ramen every night and donating all your savings. Remember, no tax dollars are being spent on this. But there's a deeper, more significant answer as well. It's only going to cost $200K at first, because it's new. As the technology matures, flight rates go up, and R&D costs are amortized, the ticket price will come down and performance goes up. We see this over and over, in every technology and industry. The first cars were mere toys for the rich as well, ridiculously expensive and not nearly as useful as a horse.

And this is very important, because the resources out there in the solar system are far, far greater than what we can access on just the Earth. Energy and materials are there enough to raise the standard of living of everyone on Earth, including (especially!) the poorest people. We're talking about abundant clean energy; as much material as you want; and enough living space for a thousand times our current population with no crowding. We're also talking about switching from a closed, zero-sum system to an open, positive-sum system where everybody wins. We don't get that kind of advancement from NASA; we get it from the good old free-market development cycle, where every model has to be better and cheaper than the last in order to compete.

So yes, let's let the rich have their joyrides, and thank them for kick-starting the industry that will finally open up the solar system for everyone.

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Sean Clancy So California — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:34:21 GMT

I always thought we were pretty cool building our carbon and glass birds but I never imagined we would be the pigeon-toed pioneers of space flight!
Sitting in the cockpit of my canard I truly felt like a privileged techie building machines out of composites molding wings into futuristic shapes imagined and proven by the true pioneers like Burt Rutan.
I get the feeling that some of my friends in NaSay and their incredibly expensive support teams at JP-little and others have logged their dissent. Discounting the incredible achievements taking place right before our eyes. Seems to me that it gives away their position in what Pink Floyd referred to as a brick-in-the-wall… Kinda reminds me of the over-schooled techno-it-alls of the turn of the last century railing about the naive efforts of those building what would become the future of air transport! Flight started with a few fabric-covered sticks, and heavy metal engines and they have now become everyman’s transportation.
I wish I were young enough to experience everyman’s flight to the dark side of the moon, Mars, and other planets in our solar system. As for you NaSayers I’m sorry for you because your imagination is limited to you formal education with all its acronyms and presumptive status. Quiet desperation… ?

Sean Clancy

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Joe Momma, Knoxville, Iowa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:36:53 GMT

WTH we dont have money like bill gates ppl i cant afford that!

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John Doe Doeville, USA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:52:08 GMT

i'm ready i'm ready i'm ready i'm ready. woooooooooooo

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Alvin Singh, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:56:21 GMT

I'll go if someone sponsers me. I'll record the whole ordeal even the last second of my life!!!!
On the next flight.... maybe someone will grab my camcorder floating around up their...if its in one piece.

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D Novak, Melbourne — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:00:36 GMT

This is the next great leap in mankind and technology, who cares what the space craft look like in 50 years we'll look back and laugh just as we do now at the wacky designs of the Wright brothers aircraft. The future is looking bright. Good Work Virgin and all involved!

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Charles Andelfinger — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:06:00 GMT

WELL, AS FAR AS I CAN SEE, THERE'S NO NEED FOR MR.
McCARTNEY TO CHANGE THE LYRICS IN "TICKET TO RIDE".

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Greg G. Rochester, NY — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:35:25 GMT

In following up my earlier comments - I agree that while Burt Rutan and Scaled Composites accomplished what they set out to do, and kudos to them - BIG kudos, they didn't accomplish everything associated with going into space to stay as others have posted here. A 3-minute flight above the atmosphere isn't the same as a private-enterprise wagon train to the stars, or is it going to open up the solar system. Personally, I don't dismiss NASA as Nay-Say, or JPL as JPLittle, because I don't remember the last time anyone else on the planet, besides the men and women of those institutions, sent men to the moon or unmanned probes to the outer solar system.

Likewise I wouldn't dismiss those with college educations who don't agree that Rutan has all of the solutions - those people are the ones out there with informed opinions. They have a clue regarding the difficulties involved in getting to orbit, because they've been doing it. Let's not forget that Mr. Rutan is college educated as well - I'm certain that he relied on HIS education to accomplish his goal.

Like Billy Bob Thornton said, it's a big-a** sky - there's plenty of room. No one's preventing Msrs. Rutan and Branson from going beyond sub-orbital flight, other than physics and engineering. If they can accomplish getting into orbit and leading us off Earth, so much the better for everyone. I just think they're going to find that the problems overcome by NASA are the same ones that they'll have to solve, all the folk-wisdom in the world isn't going to change that.

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J P Chambana, IL — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:02:22 GMT

as much as i think space flight is amazing and a big step and as much as i would love to see earth from space... i really hope that we don't start taking people to the moon. it would be a travesty if we started allowing people to land on it. knowing people... they would ruin it much like earth today.

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Sean Smith — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:25:08 GMT

This is cool if you're totaly rich but for the rest of us,who cares.What makes these guys think that the average american is keeping up on space travel.Besides i don't see anyhting new here.These are old ideas.Watch the beginning of the 6 million dollar man and you will notice some old ideas for space travel.

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Jim Pace, Mojave CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:33:08 GMT

Jane Doe: Just wondering how you know whether or not the families have been compensated? I know for a fact that they have....and no, there is no amount that can adequately compensate anybody for the loss of someone they love. And, you also can't support the the claim that they have been forgotten... they are remembered everyday by their co-workers, as well as by management. So, while you have the right to express your anger about what happened, please get your facts straight.

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Mike Puckett, Charleston, WV — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:55:19 GMT

Ever notice how the critics here all seem to be universally incapable of correctly spelling 'ridiculous'? Hint, there is no 'e'.

Their engineering opinions are even less sound than their spelling abilities and understanding of economics.

" This cost is 100 times that of a ride on Space Ship Two, and it's not going to be any cheaper for a civilian program. You can dream all you want to, but the laws of Physics alsway bring you back to reality. "

Bob, physics isn't the limiting factor. Ineffiencies of government vs. private sector and economies of scale are the problems. The problem isn't physical or technological, it is operational and economic.

Flight rate is the key to low cost access. Build something robust and fly the hell out of it. Spread your fixed costs out over a large number of flights.

How much would a copy of a Ford F-150 be if Ford hand-assembled ten copies a year? You would now have your R&D, tooling, facility and your Engineering staff costs spred out over ten trucks instead of a hundred thousand. This is the problem in aerospace, not the rocket equation or any law of physics.

Rocket fuel is not the driving expense, it is the people you employ and the fixed installation costs that are the same if you fly one time or fifty times per year. As Rand Simberg, IIRC, once said: "It's the flight rate stupid!"

First look at SpaceShipTwo

fred harcourt — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:06:18 GMT

more power to those who try for the stars! there will always be those nay sayers who can't open their minds to anything new. thank god they are in the minority.

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Jet Graphics, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:34:24 GMT

The future of mankind lies in space colonization, and the Burt Rutans of this world know it.

Since our economic system uses money as the measure, thank God there are "rich people" who are willing to plant the seed for the rest of us.

Hopefully, the private sector initiative will blossom into a robust presence in orbit, around the Earth, the Moon, and even in orbital colonies around the Sun.

Once humanity is no longer limited to this planet, we can breathe a sigh of relief.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Jon, Ygn., OH — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:00:12 GMT

Mike Puckett, of Charleston, WV, you are as wrong as can be. It is physics that will stop this from becoming a reality.
Please stop making these ridiculous comparisons to planes, trains, and automobiles.
I am really growing tired of these bogus comparisons to history. The early days of aviation, the first cars,etc.
None of this has any bearing on the subject of space travel. It (space flight) is fundamentally different from anything humans have ever done. It is the most difficult and complex activity humans have ever attempted.
I hear far too much of this attitude, that government is stupid, or evil, or not capable of doing anything correctly.
This must be a legacy of the Reagan years? An entire generation has now grown up and been indoctrinated into this belief system.
If it were left strictly to the much glorified private sector, we would never have made it to the Moon. Simply because there was no profit to be made.
Space travel is very expensive because of the physics involved. The speeds, energy requirements, materials needed etc.
This is why flight rates are low, not because NASA and other space agency's are incompetent.

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Auntiegrav — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:02:17 GMT

What a waste of money. What happened? Did Branson run out of balloons to float around in?

Positive vision? What does that mean, exactly? I think it means I am positively disgusted with the stupid antics of rich people who are selling junk that nobody really needs. Go forth and multiply your bank accounts somewhere else. Blind Faith in Systems of Systems is just dumb.

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Jen F. Usher — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:39:55 GMT

To say the very least of Branson, Rutan is that they have a very big task ahead of them if they believe that the Virgin concept vehicle will prove viable!!!

The only person in the last 50 years that had any idea of what type of vehicle it will take for intersteller flight was Gene Roddenberry!!!

In deed, Gene in my opinion, hinted at what it will take in his Star Trak trilogy, following the destruction of Enterprise 1703. In the following century, which it took to build the Newer, Faster and Meanier Enterprise. Gene, knew that the only way to build such a vehicle it would have to be built in Space!!!

I also agree with that prediction! I also believe that the minds involved will have to be along the lines, in mental capacity of Enstien, Hawkins and
Sagan.

I also believe that with the gaining momentum of Obama in the race to be our Nation's next Leader and his, lets say in his limited thinking, that will not be a priority!!!

Even as our Nation's orbiting vehicles begin to fall from space, due to aging. As a Nation, as in the time of moan JFK, trillions apon trillions if not hundred of trillions of dollars will have to be spent in order for this Nation to even begin to entertain the Concepts broached by the late Mr. Gene Roddenberry!!!!

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Julian, Lytle, Texas — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:22:38 GMT

I like the designs can you send me some

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Ray Lime — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:44:49 GMT

The Mercury spacecraft flown in 1961 were capable of safe entry from earth orbit while neither SpaceShip 1 or 2 are able to do that. The first Mercury suborbital flight flew higher and safer than Spaceship 1. One might hope that the SpaceShip vehicles will serve a purpose other than to provide a suborbital joy ride for the super rich.

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Sandy Crack, Tampa, Florida — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:38:56 GMT

I wonder who you have to sleep with around here to get a ride on one of those?

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Dieter Charleston, SC — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:46:23 GMT

WONDERFUL!! Truly a testament to the ingenuity of men with the drive and the desire to achieve goals in which the naysayers are incapable. Imagine the spin off technologies that will benefit mankind as a result of men who have "taken the tide at full flood". May I suggest that those willing to succeed must continue to open their minds as these men and work through the obstacles of failures, funding and intervention by government. To those incapable of depth of thought, dreams of brilliant stars and technologies yet to come, please keep your feet firmly planted in front of your comfortable chair and TV. Watch the change from old school technology of strapping on a SRB to the new school of constant change. Please keep yourselves entertained, well fed and play it safe. Most importantly, stay out of way of mankind's dreams, you might get hurt.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Josh Lueders Friend, Nebraska — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:40:24 GMT

America was built on the courage of those who dared to explore new frontiers.

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Irina, Russia — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:26:16 GMT

I cant believe that some people dont approve of the idea of travelling to space. Yes it's expensive and dangerous and maybe 1% of people on Earth can afford that but all these efforts, new space ships and technologies they bring the humans closer to the biggest mystery of all the living people-the origin of life. I think that there are many other issues people have to pay attention to, but space is something bigger. Yes, we don't know what we can find out there and that makes the journey even more alluring.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

George Mihavics, Fort Wayne, IN — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:03:48 GMT

As a member of a non-profit, educational museum, how can we get photos of both spaceships 1 & 2 and the whiteknights ? We would love to have a unexpensive color print, suiteable for frame mounting.BLUE SKIES!

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Joe Blow — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:58:17 GMT

This is all hype of, by, and for, the wealthy - even the rich will balk at $200,000 for a two-hour tour, a two-hour tour (rich people play on championship sports teams - wealthy people own the teams, the broadcast media, etc.! :) The cost of hurling your big, bad, butt up to 100 km (62.5 statute miles, the arbitrary definition of the lower limit of "space") is directly proportional to the cost of the fuel, and that certainly ain't gettin' any cheaper (the Fed rate cut just caused oil to go further up into the mid $90s).

Any ordinary schmo who actually thinks they're going to be able to afford to fly into space needs some education in basic science and economics, aka engineering (science on a budget and schedule). First, there's this little thing called gravity that sets an absolute minimum for the amount of energy (aka fuel, aka money) required to loft a particular amount of mass (aka your butt, mostly :) to a particular altitude. There's no way to reduce the cost of getting your butt to that altitude below that minimum. Then, you have to add the weight of the spacecraft and its life-support, propulsion, navigation, control, and (I would hope) emergency systems, not to mention the weight of the fuel itself. All of those are subject to the laws of physics, too, and there are minima for the mass of each, which is also traded off between functionality and cost. Some simple calculations will show that the minimum cost per person for a 100 km altitude flight is still going to be tens of thousands of dollars in fuel costs, alone.

As NASA and the FAA get their tentacles into the flight safety issues, you can bet your sweet bippy that's going to add significantly to the cost. Just ask any aircraft manufacturer - certification is one reason why a Cessna that costs $50,000 to build, is priced at $250,000 - the other reason is liability insurance. When you buy a new aircraft today, you're also buying the ones that have crashed, and that are going to crash during at least the lifetime of your aircraft (and maybe even including your aircraft, which makes the price ultimately higher for you, if you are maimed, or die). There's already three deaths associated with the project that were entirely preventable (anyone who doesn't understand what oxidizers do, shouldn't be handling them - I mean, they're making rocket fuel, after all!).

Then, there's the simple economics of opportunity cost - if you shoot your wad on one of these two-hour thrill rides, there's a lot of other things you won't be able to do. I'm willing to bet anyone here that the vast majority of the money that prospective astronuts would use for this kinda fling has to come out of real estate equity, either borrowed, or from its sale (since 95% of U.S. residents don't have enough money socked away for retirement). Well, guess what's going on in the real estate market, or what's left of it? Sales are down up to 90% in some markets, and prices are off upwards of 60%, as foreclosure sales blanket the countryside, and this is only the first year of the ratcheting-up of interest rates on millions of properties nationwide. As more people begin losing their shirts as they have to sell, or abandon, their homes, it's going to ripple outward and depress the values of the homes of people who have decent mortgages without balloon payments coming due over the next few years.

Add to that the inevitable graying of the population in increasing numbers every year, that have been hoping against hope that the equity in their homes would make up for their lack of saving and investing for retirement, and you're gonna find that the list of people able, not just willing, to go up for a two-hour fling for tens of thousands (much less hundreds of thousands) of dollars (double the price for couples, BTW) has suddenly shrunk to just the Paul Allens, Richard Bransons, et al, of the world. Of course, if the dollar continues its slide against other currencies, it could become so cheap for foreigners to fly into space, that they'll have to print the in-flight menus in half-a-dozen languages - oh, right, no in-flight meal service on SpaceShip Two, just like on today's domestic airline flights!

It will also be interesting to see what happens to the size of the list of passengers with confirmed tickets when, not if, the first space tourist craft is lost. More costs due to litigation, regulation, compliance, and increased insurance premiums, assuming insurance can ever even be obtained for this pursuit (it will be a chicken-and-egg thing - no insurance until a loss history is established, but, a loss history will effectively end the business ... hmmmm).

I'm a pilot and an engineer, and I share the enthusiasm about someday flying into space, but, only if I win megabucks in a lottery. Engineering is science on a budget and schedule, and space travel is always going to be way more expensive than the dreamers think, due to the aforementioned gravity well problem (and fuel ain't gettin' any cheaper, if you hadn't noticed). If it hadn't already occurred to you, rich people don't usually get rich just by working hard, they get lucky. It has nothing to do with how hard anyone works, or how much they dream - there are way more hard-working dreamers than there are lucky winners. Only eight out of every 1,000 companies started ever makes any big bucks, at the level where the owners (much less the employees) can really afford one of these flights - and 900 of those 1,000 businesses will be gone in five years, along with the jobs "created" (and then destroyed). Between the real estate meltdown, the inevitable coming recession, and the retirement squeeze, there are going to be a lot fewer prospective astronuts signing up to spend tens, much less hundreds, of thousands of dollars for a two-hour tour, a two-hour tour.

Have a nice day, anyway!
Joe Blow

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Dieter, Charleston,SC — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:44:22 GMT

Dear Joe Blow, Whew!!!
I'm not a pilot nor engineer as you. Should I resign to labels I'd consider myself what you term as an ordinary "schmo". To be more specific I'm a "self made ordinary schmo of considerable means". Further more I've achieved my station in life not by family assistance, working hard or as you say being lucky.
I work smart. Simply put, I follow in the steps of and fine tune the positive aspects of others who have proven success. It's that damn easy.
I take great exception to folks who are self defeated from the onset of a difficult test. Some of us are worried about a bump, cut, bruise or even death if we push ourselves too hard. Guess what, the right here and right now is only a blink of an eye.
Life is like a ticket to any ride at your favorite park. You decide through your actions as to which one you get on, to some degree how long you ride and most importantly if the ride was worth your while.
In a nutshell if somebody wants to strap on and shell out 200K to fly to the edge then go for it.
Joe, when did the world change over to accommodate so many self defeated [...]educated losers? When did we lose sight that we, as a people are in control of governing ourselves?

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Lynn Holzer, Boston, Massachusetts — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:49:30 GMT

February 4, 2008

Way to go !!!! Cooler than cool. Proving that the final frontier is well within our reach. Well, that got established in 1969 with the first manned moon mission.

Thanks guys for making space flight more of a reality and less of science fiction. Now, if only NASA would take a cue or two .......

Be cool, stay cool, and bon voyage !!!

Lynn

First look at SpaceShipTwo

John Lauderdale — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:06:37 GMT

reminds me of a 1950 popular mechanix article that said by 1956 there will be underwater highways to Europe! JL

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Joey Bartholomew — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:06:22 GMT

I want to go to space for medical reasons,I just found out I have lung cancer.I would like to go to space to check out the effects to my small cell lung cancer.

Thank you joey

First look at SpaceShipTwo

jean, portland or — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:48:58 GMT

must be nice to be able to put out $200,000 to take a ride, I am sure all the Hollywood A-Listers will be standing in line to get their turn. I appreciate people like Brad and Angelina who put their money where their mouth is realizing they have so much and wanting to spread the wealth by feeding and helping the less fortunate, I take my hat off to them. Where on the otherhand stars like J-Lo (oh sorry she doesn't want to be called that anymore) wouldn't give out a helping hand if her life depended on it, she'd just put more finishing touches on the already $120K nursery for the $6 million pictures....crazy, Oh well I guess it's their money let them do with it what they will

First look at SpaceShipTwo

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Sun, 11 May 2008 01:09:53 GMT

Oh wait - there are poor people! - that means we can't spend anything on anything except feeding the poor people... .. EVERYONE STOP EVERYTHING! THAT MEANS YOU!! Until there are NO MORE POOR PEOPLE ANTWHERE!!!! (which will never happen)

Oh wait - I can't afford it - no one should do anything if I PERSONALLY CAN'T AFFORD IT!!

Oh wait - there was an accident and some people died which is tragic. NO ONE SHOULD DO ANYTHING IF THERE IS EVER A TRAGEDY!!

Oh wait - I don't think this is going to work and even though they have some very smart engineers who made a lot of things work that I didn't think would work, still - NO ONE SHOULD DO ANYTHING IF I DON'T THINK IT WILL WORK!!

Summary: I guess I, like a lot of the people posting here, just don't think anyone should do anything.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

George Mayer, Hungary, Budapest — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:43:33 GMT

I think it was a mistake from Virgin Galactic to choose the United States as place of their experiments and manufacturing this private spacecraft.It could be built with much less costs and bureaucratic difficulties in China or other Far-East country.

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Dave Waters — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:31:44 GMT

Ten, Twenty years sooner even, would have been a whole lot better. I have dreamed of going into space my whole life but, unfortunately, at 57 (although I am in excellent shape and health, just not wealthy) I will probably not see the chance in what remains in my lifetime.
keep up the great work!

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Brian Hartley, Aransas Pass, TX — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:55:10 GMT

It's not about the joy ride, but the private sector going where the goverment has total reign. Once this space craft flyes, private enterprise will flock to Virgin in droves to get in the game and be part of the next great frontier. Today a joyride, tomorrow the moon, and next week Mars and beyond.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

EJP — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:01:50 GMT

Get real, people. These are sub-orbital ego trips for the rich. Gag.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

michael parks, snellville, ga. — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:14:45 GMT

far out! like seeing star trek and star wars actually happen 30-40 yrs later. boldly go where no mans gone before...

First look at SpaceShipTwo

LE-HONK KONG — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:29:37 GMT

WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY !!!!!!!!!!

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Russell, Marion, Ohio — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:39:09 GMT

I'm Sure that the Wright Brothers had Their fair share of people thinking that they should be spending Their money on the homeless people & world hunger, but they forge on and look where we are today. From just getting off the ground for a few feet to Space travel. I think that Branson & Rutan are just like the Wright Brothers having to start somewhere, and this is it ! Someday people will say,look back 105 years ago, we were just starting to send private people into space, now look at us. We are going to to the moon for refueling, and then onto Mars where people are now living. Wouldn't that be Great !!!!! Go for it !!!! But take me along ! *smile*

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Anthony Kraudelt, Jackson, MS — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:01:40 GMT

Wow, what a cool looking ship!

Anthony Kraudelt
37842 Short St
Jackson, MS 39203

First look at SpaceShipTwo

Jason F -Houston, Texas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:38 GMT

You do know - compared to the Shuttle, with over 2 MILLION moving parts and the size roughly of a 10 story building - it's like a mosquito. Good try - but let's not compare the two - shall we.....I'll make a little wager with you. Watch the White Knight go up into orbit - and then take a trip to Florida to watch a Shuttle Launch. Make any opinion then - not before. What is the payload weight of the White Knight compare to that of the Shuttle? Irony. One is producing the largest, international outpost ever seen. The other is stricly for profit - and that's what everyone is rooting for - hilarious, actually. C'mon - support NASA

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patrick — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:19:45 GMT

I find this a real milestone, and a bit sad. why did you leave the shuttle, Americas 1st reusable spacecraft and workhorse off your mothership 2 icons list. This upset me, which who cares - right!

First look at SpaceShipTwo

aerocrat — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:19:25 GMT

better use the helium airship for altitude start instead the plane. Hope such aiirship could make in Russian "Airshipbuilder" pland - DKBA (http://dkba.ru)

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United Kingdom — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:13:02 GMT

I recall the comment of this aircraft being 'as safe as an airliner of the 1920's'. Seems a reasonable synopsis to me, considering we've had around 100 years of manned flight to get us from wood, canvas and string up to the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. Don't think I'll be flying in it though...not got pockets as deep as Mr Branson's. Imagine what private space flight will look like in 100 years time?

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Adelphos, The Hague, Holland — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:03:39 GMT

It seems that the project is at a standstill. Does Branson have the will to continue with a project that in the long run might well be just a load of hogwash. There's capitalism for you. If it isn't state funded, forget it.

First look at SpaceShipTwo

chris best , alton , hampshire , england — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:34:39 GMT

i love space . after i finish college i am going to start my buisness and i look forward to (hopefully) working with richard branson . p.s. if you read this , be my mentor .