Virgin Galactic flight animation

[mix]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytjSl6voP0

[Renew Deal]

1. It's a shame that commercial space travel will probably not be accessible in my lifetime.

:bounce:

[AsahinaKimi]

2. its interesting that

In the beginning of the video, one can see "USS ENTERPRISE" on the side of the vehicle. However, I question why go into space if there is no place to go? A space station with a hotel would have been more appropriate.

[insanity]

3. Space Ship 1 couldn't get to a space station

It can only get a ballistic (i.e. suborbital) trajectory. In basic terms, White Knight takes Space Ship 1 above the thickest layers of the atmosphere. Space Ship 1 then fires it engines to the point that it's vertical speed will force it to continue climbing against the force of the upper atmosphere. The engines are then killed, and the ship coasts (at 0g) until it starts running out of vertical positive acceleration, which causes it to accelerate back towards the Earth.

To get to a space station you need to get enough speed built up that you fall towards the Earth indefinitely (speed and altitude are synonymous in orbital mechanics).

This is just for people to experience a few minutes of weightlessness

[MilesColtrane]

4. For 200K I hope they let you keep the spandex jumpsuit.

The only purpose for the helmets I can figure out is to keep the cabin clean in the event of projectile vomiting.

[qnr]

5. Considering the fact that no one thought to bring a camera, hopefully, the helmets

are recording devices.