News
One giant leap for tourism
14 June 2007
The great race to get tourists into space is hotting up with the design for a new space jet being unveiled.
European company Astrium has revealed what it is touting as a revolutionary jet that will be capable of taking passengers into space and already has the other necessary infrastructure in place.
The as-yet unnamed jet is being designed by Australian Marc Newson and remains in the prototype stage at the moment.
However, Mr Newson is confident that his design will prove popular, particularly as it is capable of taking off and landing at any existing airport.
Weighing just 20 tonnes, the jet can carry four passengers and will offer them three minutes of weightlessness during an hour-and-a-half journey.
The jet will be capable of climbing 40 miles in just 80 seconds and will eventually reach 100km in the sky, offering those onboard the most fantastic views of Earth.
The entire project is set to cost around £680m, with passengers set to pay around £135,000 for a ticket.
If all goes to plan, the new jet could be running commercially as soon as 2012, hot on the heels of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, which he plans to have up and running in 18 months time.
Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.
© Adfero Ltd
European company Astrium has revealed what it is touting as a revolutionary jet that will be capable of taking passengers into space and already has the other necessary infrastructure in place.
The as-yet unnamed jet is being designed by Australian Marc Newson and remains in the prototype stage at the moment.
However, Mr Newson is confident that his design will prove popular, particularly as it is capable of taking off and landing at any existing airport.
Weighing just 20 tonnes, the jet can carry four passengers and will offer them three minutes of weightlessness during an hour-and-a-half journey.
The jet will be capable of climbing 40 miles in just 80 seconds and will eventually reach 100km in the sky, offering those onboard the most fantastic views of Earth.
The entire project is set to cost around £680m, with passengers set to pay around £135,000 for a ticket.
If all goes to plan, the new jet could be running commercially as soon as 2012, hot on the heels of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, which he plans to have up and running in 18 months time.
Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.
© Adfero Ltd
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