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Branson's Aircraft: Beyond Space Tourism

Applications include satelites, drones and studying climate change

By Paul Stinson, Newser User

Posted Aug 3, 2008 11:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Though space tourism is an exciting feat in itself, it’s just the beginning of the possibilities for Virgin Galactic’s White Knight Two, the Economist notes. The carbon-composite plane doubles as a spaceship’s first stage, and is capable of launching satellites, transporting replacement engines, and facilitating the study of the inaccessible “ignorosphere” —believed central to climate change.

And even if you can’t afford the $200,000 it costs for a tourist seat, you might be able to experience some of the conditions of space. The craft is acrobatic enough to offer zero gravity flights. Such a ride is available on a Boeing 727 now, for $5,000. White Knight Two could knock that price down to about a fifth that.

Billionaire Richard Branson, left, and the aerospace designer Burt Rutan unveil a model of SpaceShipTwo, which will be lifted to an altitude of 15km and released by White Knight Two, shown at top. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Virgin Galactic's mothership aircraft White Knight Two "Eve" , front, is seen at Scaled Composites' hangar after an unveiling ceremony. A date for the first launch has yet to be announced. (AP Photo/Stefano Paltera)

Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson, right, celebrates the unveiling of mothership aircraft White Knight Two. More than 250 customers have paid $200,000 to be a space tourist. (AP Photo/Stefano Paltera)

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Branson's Aircraft: Beyond Space Tourism

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Branson Rolls Out Space Plane

Craft could make first commercial flight—at $200K per ticket—by decade's end

Space Tourism May Warm Planet

Rockets send soot into stratosphere

Virgin Galactic Spacecraft Makes First Solo Flight

Private spacecraft on course to take paying passengers to space

Space Plane Takes First Test Flight

Mothership and spaceship flew for 3 hours in 'captive carry' test

Space Tourism Gets New 2-Seater

Calif. company is second aiming to take passengers to new heights

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Applications include satelites, drones and studying climate change

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

climate change • Richard Branson • space tourism • Virgin Galactic • space travel • Burt Rutan • adventure travel

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Branson Rolls Out Space Plane

Craft could make first commercial flight—at $200K per ticket—by decade's end

Space Tourism May Warm Planet

Rockets send soot into stratosphere

Virgin Galactic Spacecraft Makes First Solo Flight

Private spacecraft on course to take paying passengers to space

Space Plane Takes First Test Flight

Mothership and spaceship flew for 3 hours in 'captive carry' test

Space Tourism Gets New 2-Seater

Calif. company is second aiming to take passengers to new heights

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Newser By Users

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