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News Space tourism coming soon!!!
- Thread starter count_volta
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Orbinaut Pete
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Parabolic Arc:
SpaceRef: "International Space Transport Association Trade Organization Launched".
Florida Today: "Our views: Tourists in space (Sept. 18)".
- Starchaser Continues Work Toward Space Tourism Vehicle.
- XCOR's Greason: Things Going Well, Lynx Test Flights Likely Next Year.
- Skylon Project Set for Design Review Next Week.
SpaceRef: "International Space Transport Association Trade Organization Launched".
Florida Today: "Our views: Tourists in space (Sept. 18)".
Video: First Free Flight of Armadillo Aerospace Super Mod Rocket.
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Orbinaut Pete
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DailyMail.co.uk / Mail Online: Mission control to Manchester: British 'rocket man' launches mission to become first private firm to put tourists into space:
DanM
Поехали!
I just hope they let me fly with asthma and food allergies. Apparently most space food is peanut based. Of course, if we get to the point where anyone could pay to go to space, I think immunotherapy will be widespread.
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orb
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Orbinaut Pete
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orb
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Here's more about that space station.
SPACE.com:
World's First Commercial Space Station Planned in Russia
Two Russian aerospace companies are teaming up to build what they say will be the "world's first commercial space station" – an orbiting outpost open to private citizens, professional astronauts and scientists. For a price.
Called the Commercial Space Station, the orbiting space laboratory and hotel will be able to host up to seven people at a time. It is being planned under a partnership between the Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia.
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This artist's illustration shows a cross-section of the planned Commercial Space Station envisioned by Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia. Credit: Orbital Technologies.
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This illustration depicts the planned Russian Commercial Space Station with visiting Soyuz or Progress spacecraft, which can ferry supplies or cargo to the orbiting lab. Credit: Orbital Technologies
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The Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia are planning to build what they call the world's first commercial space station, seen here in this artist's illustration. The plan was announced Sept. 29, 2010. Credit: Orbital Technologies.
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This computer-generated view shows a possible design for the interior of the Commercial Space Station planned by Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia. Credit: Orbital Technologies.
The companies announced plans for the new space station today (Sept. 29) but did not reveal an estimated cost. The space station is expected to launch sometime between 2015 and 2016. The cost of individual trips may vary based on launch vehicle, duration and purpose of missions.
"Once launched and operational, the CSS will provide a unique destination for commercial, state and private spaceflight exploration missions," said Orbital Technologies chief executive Sergey Kostenko in a statement. "The CSS will be a valuable addition to the global base of orbital assets."
Space hotel and orbiting lab
Medical experiments and Earth observations are just some of the services the space station is expected to offer. Space tourism, Kostenko said, is another big field.
"We also have proposals for the implementation of media projects," he added. "And, of course, some parties are interested in short-duration stays on the station for enjoyment."
Moscow-based Orbital Technologies is a company of engineers, scientists and space industry veterans dedicated to opening space for private enterprise, according to its website.
RSC Energia is the largest contractor serving Russia's Federal Space Agency and has extensive experience building space station modules and spacecraft. The company built Russia's Salyut space stations, the multi-module Mir Space Station and major Russian elements of the International Space Station. RSC Energia also builds the Soyuz and Progress spacecraft that launch routinely to the International Space Station.
Vitaly Lopota, president of RSC Energia, said the company has 40 years of experience building space stations and has been outlining plans for the Commercial Space Station for more than 10 years.
The new space station would have an initial design life of about 15 years, Orbital Technologies officials have said. Soyuz spacecraft would ferry crews to the station, while unmanned Progress vehicles would keep it stocked with supplies.
Other private space stations
The Russian announcement comes amid a major push for commercial space vehicles and rockets in the United States, where at least one company – the Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace – is planning commercial space stations of its own.
Bigelow Aerospace has already put two prototype space station modules in space, called Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. The modules are inflatable craft that launched in 2006 and 2007 and both remain in orbit.
The company is aiming to have a full-scale private space station in orbit and ready to receive customers by 2015, according to past reports. If so, Bigelow Aerospace's inflatable space station modules would snag the title of the world's first commercial space station in orbit if it launches before Russia's Commercial Space Station.
Another company, Excalibur Almaz in the Isle of Man, is planning to use spacecraft originally designed for the Soviet-era Almaz space stations to offer weeklong orbital spaceflights for paying customers.
The U.S. push for privately built spacecraft comes as NASA plans to use commercial space vehicles to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station once the agency's space shuttle fleet retires in 2011.
Russian space agency takes notice
The Commercial Space Station plan has also sparked interest in Russia's Federal Space Agency.
"We consider the Commercial Space Station a very interesting project, encouraging private participation," said Vitaly Davydov, deputy chief of the Federal Space Agency. "It will attract private investment for the Russian space industry."
The Russian space agency's chief, Alexey Krasnov, added that a commercial space station could serve as a backup for International Space Station crews.
"For example, if a required maintenance procedure or a real emergency were to occur, without the return of the ISS crew to Earth, habitants could use the CSS as a safe haven," Krasnov said.
As planned, the Commercial Space Station would use a universal docking system that could accommodate spacecraft from Russia, the United States and Europe, Orbital Technologies officials said. The station also is expected to accommodate China's Shenzhou space capsules, which have flown three manned missions since 2003.
The space station could serve as a springboard for even more ambitious voyages into deep space, Kostenko said.
"A short stopover at our station will be the perfect beginning of a manned circumlunar flight," he added. "Deep-space manned exploration missions planned in the next decade are also welcome to use the CSS as a waypoint and a supply station."
([highlight]SOURCE @ SPACE.com[/highlight])
SPACE.com:
World's First Commercial Space Station Planned in Russia
Two Russian aerospace companies are teaming up to build what they say will be the "world's first commercial space station" – an orbiting outpost open to private citizens, professional astronauts and scientists. For a price.
Called the Commercial Space Station, the orbiting space laboratory and hotel will be able to host up to seven people at a time. It is being planned under a partnership between the Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia.
The companies announced plans for the new space station today (Sept. 29) but did not reveal an estimated cost. The space station is expected to launch sometime between 2015 and 2016. The cost of individual trips may vary based on launch vehicle, duration and purpose of missions.
"Once launched and operational, the CSS will provide a unique destination for commercial, state and private spaceflight exploration missions," said Orbital Technologies chief executive Sergey Kostenko in a statement. "The CSS will be a valuable addition to the global base of orbital assets."
Space hotel and orbiting lab
Medical experiments and Earth observations are just some of the services the space station is expected to offer. Space tourism, Kostenko said, is another big field.
"We also have proposals for the implementation of media projects," he added. "And, of course, some parties are interested in short-duration stays on the station for enjoyment."
Moscow-based Orbital Technologies is a company of engineers, scientists and space industry veterans dedicated to opening space for private enterprise, according to its website.
RSC Energia is the largest contractor serving Russia's Federal Space Agency and has extensive experience building space station modules and spacecraft. The company built Russia's Salyut space stations, the multi-module Mir Space Station and major Russian elements of the International Space Station. RSC Energia also builds the Soyuz and Progress spacecraft that launch routinely to the International Space Station.
Vitaly Lopota, president of RSC Energia, said the company has 40 years of experience building space stations and has been outlining plans for the Commercial Space Station for more than 10 years.
The new space station would have an initial design life of about 15 years, Orbital Technologies officials have said. Soyuz spacecraft would ferry crews to the station, while unmanned Progress vehicles would keep it stocked with supplies.
Other private space stations
The Russian announcement comes amid a major push for commercial space vehicles and rockets in the United States, where at least one company – the Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace – is planning commercial space stations of its own.
Bigelow Aerospace has already put two prototype space station modules in space, called Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. The modules are inflatable craft that launched in 2006 and 2007 and both remain in orbit.
The company is aiming to have a full-scale private space station in orbit and ready to receive customers by 2015, according to past reports. If so, Bigelow Aerospace's inflatable space station modules would snag the title of the world's first commercial space station in orbit if it launches before Russia's Commercial Space Station.
Another company, Excalibur Almaz in the Isle of Man, is planning to use spacecraft originally designed for the Soviet-era Almaz space stations to offer weeklong orbital spaceflights for paying customers.
The U.S. push for privately built spacecraft comes as NASA plans to use commercial space vehicles to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station once the agency's space shuttle fleet retires in 2011.
Russian space agency takes notice
The Commercial Space Station plan has also sparked interest in Russia's Federal Space Agency.
"We consider the Commercial Space Station a very interesting project, encouraging private participation," said Vitaly Davydov, deputy chief of the Federal Space Agency. "It will attract private investment for the Russian space industry."
The Russian space agency's chief, Alexey Krasnov, added that a commercial space station could serve as a backup for International Space Station crews.
"For example, if a required maintenance procedure or a real emergency were to occur, without the return of the ISS crew to Earth, habitants could use the CSS as a safe haven," Krasnov said.
As planned, the Commercial Space Station would use a universal docking system that could accommodate spacecraft from Russia, the United States and Europe, Orbital Technologies officials said. The station also is expected to accommodate China's Shenzhou space capsules, which have flown three manned missions since 2003.
The space station could serve as a springboard for even more ambitious voyages into deep space, Kostenko said.
"A short stopover at our station will be the perfect beginning of a manned circumlunar flight," he added. "Deep-space manned exploration missions planned in the next decade are also welcome to use the CSS as a waypoint and a supply station."
([highlight]SOURCE @ SPACE.com[/highlight])
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A dedicated thread for that station, where discussion about it should continue is here.
--------------------
USA Today: Up, up and away: As space tourism inches closer, here are more down-to-earth options:
--------------------
USA Today: Up, up and away: As space tourism inches closer, here are more down-to-earth options:
Orbinaut Pete
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FAA Issues First-Ever Spaceport Grants to Strengthen Commercial Space Activities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new grant program designed to fund projects that develop and expand commercial space transportation infrastructure. The Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants will be awarded to four separate projects located in Alaska, California, Florida, and New Mexico.
“The Obama administration is committed to making sure the United States remains the world leader in space development and exploration,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This new grant program underscores that commitment, and will help ensure that the commercial space industry can meet our current and future space transportation needs.”
In June of this year the Obama administration unveiled a new National Space Policy that recognizes opportunities and advancements in commercial space capabilities. The 2010 policy lays out more specific ways for the government to make use of commercial capabilities.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation will administer the new Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants. The first matching grants include: $43,000 for the New Mexico Spaceport Authority to provide an Automated Weather Observing System; $227,195 to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation for a Rocket Motor Storage Facility; $125,000 to the East Kern Airport District in Mojave, Calif., for an emergency response vehicle; and, $104,805 to the Jacksonville Airport Authority in Florida to develop a Spaceport Master Plan for Cecil Field. Under the law, the FAA can provide matching funds for specific projects being carried out by public entities involved in commercial space activities.
The United States’ space program has three sectors – civil, military and commercial. The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation is responsible for licensing, regulating and promoting the commercial-sector space industry. Since the office was created in 1984, the FAA has issued licenses for more than 200 launches, licensed the operation of eight FAA-approved launch sites known as spaceports, and has helped ensure that no loss of life or serious injury has been associated with these efforts.
For more information on FAA’s commercial space transportation activities a fact sheet is available at: www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=11559
----------
Spaceport America Receives Federal Infrastructure Grant, matching funds from Virgin Galactic.
Spaceport America has received its first federal grant from a newly funded spaceport infrastructure program at the Federal Aviation Administration.
The funding, $43,000 from the FAA matched with $4,300 from Virgin Galactic, will allow for the acquisition of an Automated Weather Observation System III (AWOS III).
This important project will be made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration's FAA/AST Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program.
New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) Executive Director Rick Homans said, "This announcement highlights the increasing attention that the federal government is paying to the commercial spaceflight industry and to Spaceport America. While the grant amount may be small, the symbolism is much greater and we look forward to seeing this grant program increase and expand in the years to come."
The value of the FAA/AST grant combined with Galactic Venture's matching money is estimated at about $47,300. The balance of the cost of the AWOS, $86,000, will be paid by the NMSA.
The project is crucial to the safe and efficient operation of the spaceport. The AWOS III will provide timely and accurate meteorological information relevant to aircraft and spacecraft operations at Spaceport America. This will provide full AWOS capability to the spaceport, including visibility information and cloud data.
Spaceport America has been providing commercial launch services since 2006. The state-of-the-art launch facility is under construction near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and is expected to become fully operational in 2011. Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Armadillo Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, and UP Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America are already delivering on its promise to the people of New Mexico.
---------- Post added 2nd Oct 2010 at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was 1st Oct 2010 at 06:10 PM ----------
BBC News: "Virgin Galactic slows satellite launcher plans".
---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:33 PM ----------
SPACE.com: "Commercial Space Effort Gets Boost From FAA".
UTMB experts researching commercial space guidelines.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new grant program designed to fund projects that develop and expand commercial space transportation infrastructure. The Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants will be awarded to four separate projects located in Alaska, California, Florida, and New Mexico.
“The Obama administration is committed to making sure the United States remains the world leader in space development and exploration,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This new grant program underscores that commitment, and will help ensure that the commercial space industry can meet our current and future space transportation needs.”
In June of this year the Obama administration unveiled a new National Space Policy that recognizes opportunities and advancements in commercial space capabilities. The 2010 policy lays out more specific ways for the government to make use of commercial capabilities.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation will administer the new Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants. The first matching grants include: $43,000 for the New Mexico Spaceport Authority to provide an Automated Weather Observing System; $227,195 to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation for a Rocket Motor Storage Facility; $125,000 to the East Kern Airport District in Mojave, Calif., for an emergency response vehicle; and, $104,805 to the Jacksonville Airport Authority in Florida to develop a Spaceport Master Plan for Cecil Field. Under the law, the FAA can provide matching funds for specific projects being carried out by public entities involved in commercial space activities.
The United States’ space program has three sectors – civil, military and commercial. The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation is responsible for licensing, regulating and promoting the commercial-sector space industry. Since the office was created in 1984, the FAA has issued licenses for more than 200 launches, licensed the operation of eight FAA-approved launch sites known as spaceports, and has helped ensure that no loss of life or serious injury has been associated with these efforts.
For more information on FAA’s commercial space transportation activities a fact sheet is available at: www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=11559
----------
Spaceport America Receives Federal Infrastructure Grant, matching funds from Virgin Galactic.
Spaceport America has received its first federal grant from a newly funded spaceport infrastructure program at the Federal Aviation Administration.
The funding, $43,000 from the FAA matched with $4,300 from Virgin Galactic, will allow for the acquisition of an Automated Weather Observation System III (AWOS III).
This important project will be made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration's FAA/AST Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program.
New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) Executive Director Rick Homans said, "This announcement highlights the increasing attention that the federal government is paying to the commercial spaceflight industry and to Spaceport America. While the grant amount may be small, the symbolism is much greater and we look forward to seeing this grant program increase and expand in the years to come."
The value of the FAA/AST grant combined with Galactic Venture's matching money is estimated at about $47,300. The balance of the cost of the AWOS, $86,000, will be paid by the NMSA.
The project is crucial to the safe and efficient operation of the spaceport. The AWOS III will provide timely and accurate meteorological information relevant to aircraft and spacecraft operations at Spaceport America. This will provide full AWOS capability to the spaceport, including visibility information and cloud data.
Spaceport America has been providing commercial launch services since 2006. The state-of-the-art launch facility is under construction near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and is expected to become fully operational in 2011. Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Armadillo Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, and UP Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America are already delivering on its promise to the people of New Mexico.
---------- Post added 2nd Oct 2010 at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was 1st Oct 2010 at 06:10 PM ----------
BBC News: "Virgin Galactic slows satellite launcher plans".
---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:33 PM ----------
SPACE.com: "Commercial Space Effort Gets Boost From FAA".
UTMB experts researching commercial space guidelines.
Orbinaut Pete
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Space Experience Curaçao Announces Wet Lease of XCOR's Lynx Suborbital Spacecraft.
Second Announced Lynx Wet Lease For XCOR.
Space Experience Curaçao (SXC) and XCOR Aerospace, Inc. jointly announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the wet lease of a production version of the Lynx suborbital spacecraft, pending United States government approvals to station the vehicle on the island of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles. With a planned start date in January 2014, SXC will market, and XCOR will operate, suborbital space tourism flights and scientific research missions out of Space Port Curaçao.
Recently, the Curaçao government and airport authority announced their intentions of investigating and creating the conditions suitable for the formation of a vibrant and active commercial space flight services industry. An investigation of the legal and regulatory framework necessary to enable a robust flight services industry in Curaçao has commenced. investment in the spaceport infrastructure and operator has been committed and made by Curaçao Airport Holding, N.V., the company responsible for overseeing Curaçao airport operator. SXC is the entity chosen by the Curaçao government and airport holding company to create a robust suborbital space flight business focused on research missions, space tourism, and science & technology education. SXC has in turn selected the XCOR Lynx as its vehicle of choice for Curaçao operations.
"SXC has chosen the Lynx due to its innovative but straightforward and robust design, as well as its enormous commercial potential and competitive viability” said Ben Droste, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SXC. “The combination of the Lynx experience with the beautiful and highly suitable location of the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is a winning experience in our book. Spaceflight participants will not only have the incredible experience of flying in XCOR’s Lynx spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere, they will have the added benefit of taking off from and returning to one of the world’s best vacation destinations.”
XCOR Lynx Suborbital Spacecraft
“Space Experience Curaçao, with the strong support of Curaçao Airport Holding, has worked diligently to secure this MOU with XCOR” remarked SXC Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Harry Van Hulten, “with the full support of the government of Curaçao, the Netherlands and thanks to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Curaçao Airport Holding, SXC is in the position of making this first concrete step in procuring a Lynx Mark II wet lease contract.”
“Building on our international wet-lease agreements model, XCOR is committed to continuing coordination efforts with the US Departments of State, Defense and Commerce and other relevant US agencies regarding export control and operation of suborbital vehicles at non-US locations,” said XCOR COO, Andrew Nelson. “We think the wet lease model enables us to address these issues, while allowing us to continue to create new high technology jobs, compete effectively in international markets, and provide our clients like SXC, and their clients, an incredible experience and valuable service – we can’t wait to fly from Curaçao!”
XCOR Aerospace is a California corporation located in Mojave, California. The company is in the business of developing and producing safe, reliable and reusable rocket powered vehicles, propulsion systems, advanced non-flammable composites and other enabling technologies. XCOR is working with aerospace prime contractors and government customers on major propulsion systems, and concurrently building the Lynx, a piloted, two seat, fully reusable, liquid rocket powered vehicle that takes off and lands horizontally. The Lynx production models (designated Lynx Mark II) are designed to be robust, multi-commercial mission vehicles capable of flying to 100+ km in altitude up to four times per day and are being offered on a wet lease basis. www.xcor.com.
Space Experience Curaçao (SXC) was founded in 2008 to lead the world changing trend in providing commercial space launch facilities and suborbital flight services from the Caribbean island of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, and soon to be an independent governing entity as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. SXC intends to offer suborbital space tourism flights and scientific research missions out of Space Port Curaçao. SXC is led by its two founders and Managing Partners, Harry van Hulten and Ben Droste who share a wealth of personal experience in flying and testing fighter aircraft, and managing large and complex aerospace organizations and institutions. Lt. General Ben Droste (retired) has amassed over 4000 hours in high performance jet fighter aircraft including the F-16. His military career culminated in his appointment as Commander in Chief of the Royal Netherlands Air Force where he was heavily engaged in peace keeping and peace enforcing operations around the world including the former Yugoslavia and its many successful missions that helped secure an armistice in the Kosovo war in the spring of 1999. He has been nominated Commander in the Legion of Merit by the United States of America for his leadership in maximizing the ties between the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the United States Air Force in this and the preceding air wars over the Balkans and thereby maximizing the effectiveness of these air forces. Upon retirement in 2000 through 2009, General Droste led the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programs (NIVR), the precursor of today’s Netherlands Space Office, and NASA’s counterpart in the Netherlands. From 2003-2008, General Droste also became Professor and Dean of the Aerospace Faculty at the prestigious Delft University of Technology. Major Harry van Hulten, is an active F-16 fighter pilot with the Netherlands Royal Air Force; he has over 3200 hours in 42 different aircraft types, of which 2500 hours are on the F-16. He is a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He spent an extra two years at Edwards AFB to test further innovative developments for the F-16. Harry has been involved in the F-35 program for the Netherlands Air Force, the lead international customer for this fifth generation US fighter aircraft. Harry is also a distinguished former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan veteran. He has a special dispensation to participate as a founding Managing Partner of SXC while performing his military duties. www.spaceexperiencecuracao.com.
Second Announced Lynx Wet Lease For XCOR.
Space Experience Curaçao (SXC) and XCOR Aerospace, Inc. jointly announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the wet lease of a production version of the Lynx suborbital spacecraft, pending United States government approvals to station the vehicle on the island of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles. With a planned start date in January 2014, SXC will market, and XCOR will operate, suborbital space tourism flights and scientific research missions out of Space Port Curaçao.
Recently, the Curaçao government and airport authority announced their intentions of investigating and creating the conditions suitable for the formation of a vibrant and active commercial space flight services industry. An investigation of the legal and regulatory framework necessary to enable a robust flight services industry in Curaçao has commenced. investment in the spaceport infrastructure and operator has been committed and made by Curaçao Airport Holding, N.V., the company responsible for overseeing Curaçao airport operator. SXC is the entity chosen by the Curaçao government and airport holding company to create a robust suborbital space flight business focused on research missions, space tourism, and science & technology education. SXC has in turn selected the XCOR Lynx as its vehicle of choice for Curaçao operations.
"SXC has chosen the Lynx due to its innovative but straightforward and robust design, as well as its enormous commercial potential and competitive viability” said Ben Droste, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SXC. “The combination of the Lynx experience with the beautiful and highly suitable location of the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is a winning experience in our book. Spaceflight participants will not only have the incredible experience of flying in XCOR’s Lynx spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere, they will have the added benefit of taking off from and returning to one of the world’s best vacation destinations.”
XCOR Lynx Suborbital Spacecraft
“Space Experience Curaçao, with the strong support of Curaçao Airport Holding, has worked diligently to secure this MOU with XCOR” remarked SXC Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Harry Van Hulten, “with the full support of the government of Curaçao, the Netherlands and thanks to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Curaçao Airport Holding, SXC is in the position of making this first concrete step in procuring a Lynx Mark II wet lease contract.”
“Building on our international wet-lease agreements model, XCOR is committed to continuing coordination efforts with the US Departments of State, Defense and Commerce and other relevant US agencies regarding export control and operation of suborbital vehicles at non-US locations,” said XCOR COO, Andrew Nelson. “We think the wet lease model enables us to address these issues, while allowing us to continue to create new high technology jobs, compete effectively in international markets, and provide our clients like SXC, and their clients, an incredible experience and valuable service – we can’t wait to fly from Curaçao!”
XCOR Aerospace is a California corporation located in Mojave, California. The company is in the business of developing and producing safe, reliable and reusable rocket powered vehicles, propulsion systems, advanced non-flammable composites and other enabling technologies. XCOR is working with aerospace prime contractors and government customers on major propulsion systems, and concurrently building the Lynx, a piloted, two seat, fully reusable, liquid rocket powered vehicle that takes off and lands horizontally. The Lynx production models (designated Lynx Mark II) are designed to be robust, multi-commercial mission vehicles capable of flying to 100+ km in altitude up to four times per day and are being offered on a wet lease basis. www.xcor.com.
Space Experience Curaçao (SXC) was founded in 2008 to lead the world changing trend in providing commercial space launch facilities and suborbital flight services from the Caribbean island of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, and soon to be an independent governing entity as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. SXC intends to offer suborbital space tourism flights and scientific research missions out of Space Port Curaçao. SXC is led by its two founders and Managing Partners, Harry van Hulten and Ben Droste who share a wealth of personal experience in flying and testing fighter aircraft, and managing large and complex aerospace organizations and institutions. Lt. General Ben Droste (retired) has amassed over 4000 hours in high performance jet fighter aircraft including the F-16. His military career culminated in his appointment as Commander in Chief of the Royal Netherlands Air Force where he was heavily engaged in peace keeping and peace enforcing operations around the world including the former Yugoslavia and its many successful missions that helped secure an armistice in the Kosovo war in the spring of 1999. He has been nominated Commander in the Legion of Merit by the United States of America for his leadership in maximizing the ties between the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the United States Air Force in this and the preceding air wars over the Balkans and thereby maximizing the effectiveness of these air forces. Upon retirement in 2000 through 2009, General Droste led the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programs (NIVR), the precursor of today’s Netherlands Space Office, and NASA’s counterpart in the Netherlands. From 2003-2008, General Droste also became Professor and Dean of the Aerospace Faculty at the prestigious Delft University of Technology. Major Harry van Hulten, is an active F-16 fighter pilot with the Netherlands Royal Air Force; he has over 3200 hours in 42 different aircraft types, of which 2500 hours are on the F-16. He is a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He spent an extra two years at Edwards AFB to test further innovative developments for the F-16. Harry has been involved in the F-35 program for the Netherlands Air Force, the lead international customer for this fifth generation US fighter aircraft. Harry is also a distinguished former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan veteran. He has a special dispensation to participate as a founding Managing Partner of SXC while performing his military duties. www.spaceexperiencecuracao.com.
Orbinaut Pete
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- 0
Parabolic Arc:
• Bigelow Visits ULA Assembly Plant in Decatur.
• Bigelow: Six Countries Lined Up to Lease Private Space Stations.
• Virgin Galactic Travel Agents Check Out New Mexico.
---------- Post added 10th Oct 2010 at 03:42 PM ---------- Previous post was 9th Oct 2010 at 09:36 PM ----------
Popular Mechanics: "BREAKING NEWS: Virgin's SpaceShipTwo To Conduct Pivotal Flight Test Tomorrow (Today)".
---------- Post added at 08:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 PM ----------
Virgin Galactic: "VSS Enterprise Completes First Manned Glide Flight".
Spaceflight Now: "Commercial rocketplane takes first gliding flight test".
SPACE.com: "Virgin Galactic's Private Spaceship Makes First Solo Glide Flight".
Here's a Popular Mechanics liveblog of the flight.
CSF Congratulates SpaceShipTwo Team for Milestone First Glide Flight.
---------- Post added 11th Oct 2010 at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was 10th Oct 2010 at 08:03 PM ----------
Discovery News: "Commercial Spaceship Flies Free In First Glide Test".
BBC News: "Virgin Galactic's spaceship makes solo flight".
---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
Parabolic Arc: "Branson: We've Done Thousands of Rocket Tests on Ground".
RIA Novosti: "U.S. suborbital spaceship signs up Russian space tourist".
Universe Today: "Could a Human Mars Mission Be Funded Commercially"?
• Bigelow Visits ULA Assembly Plant in Decatur.
• Bigelow: Six Countries Lined Up to Lease Private Space Stations.
• Virgin Galactic Travel Agents Check Out New Mexico.
---------- Post added 10th Oct 2010 at 03:42 PM ---------- Previous post was 9th Oct 2010 at 09:36 PM ----------
Popular Mechanics: "BREAKING NEWS: Virgin's SpaceShipTwo To Conduct Pivotal Flight Test Tomorrow (Today)".
---------- Post added at 08:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 PM ----------
Virgin Galactic: "VSS Enterprise Completes First Manned Glide Flight".
Spaceflight Now: "Commercial rocketplane takes first gliding flight test".
SPACE.com: "Virgin Galactic's Private Spaceship Makes First Solo Glide Flight".
Here's a Popular Mechanics liveblog of the flight.
CSF Congratulates SpaceShipTwo Team for Milestone First Glide Flight.
---------- Post added 11th Oct 2010 at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was 10th Oct 2010 at 08:03 PM ----------
Discovery News: "Commercial Spaceship Flies Free In First Glide Test".
BBC News: "Virgin Galactic's spaceship makes solo flight".
Video: Exclusive Footage - VSS Enterprise, First Manned Free Flight.
---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
Parabolic Arc: "Branson: We've Done Thousands of Rocket Tests on Ground".
RIA Novosti: "U.S. suborbital spaceship signs up Russian space tourist".
Universe Today: "Could a Human Mars Mission Be Funded Commercially"?
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