Virgin Boss’ VSS Enterprise Set to Conquer Space

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You never thought Richard Branson would be likened to Captain Kirk from Star Trek but yes, it’s very possible that the Virgin boss will now enter an entirely new frontier in space with his new VSS Enterprise.

The news did not come as a surprise to most people, because it’s been said that whatever Sir Richard has set his mind to do, will be done. The unveiling culminated in a glamorous event where celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sarah Brightman saw it fit to graze the party at the Mojave Air and Space Port with their presence. This marks the beginning of Virgin Galactic, and we will soon see a slew of space tourists being blasted out to orbit for a mere fee of $200,000. The final fare and inaugural launch date has yet to be set but it’s beens said that there are already 300 eager space tourists, including pop superstar Justin Timberlake and scientist extraordinaire Stephen Hawking. The fee includes thorough training before space tourists can appreciate viewing the Earth from orbit. At this very moment, the first spaceport is being constructed in New Mexico.

The VSS Enterprise will be the first of 5 planned space crafts for Virgin Galactic. It is 60 feet long and is designed to carry 2 pilots and 6 passengers who will enjoy a two and a half hour journey in space. But before that, Virgin Galactic will carry out a thorough testing program for the VSS Enteprise for up to 18 months before allowing lucky ticket holders to be first time space tourists, some time in the year 2011.

What will this mean for the rest of us? Even if most people do not have the means to afford a space tour, the launch of the WhiteKnightTwo is sure to pave the way to better technology especially when it comes to commercial air crafts.