Good news, spacefans: the image up top is real. Virgin Galactic's rocket plane made history this morning, igniting its engines for the first time and hitting supersonic speeds. The achievement brings would-be passengers one step closer to a trip to the edge of space.
To become an astronaut, all you need to do is pass the Kármán line
The Kármán line is an artificial boundary in Earth's atmosphere that divides space missions from aeronautics missions — passing the line turns a run-of-the-mill pilot into an astronaut. And this obscure boundary may become extremely important as we enter the era of space tourism.
A plane, aircraft, or other object…
UK start-up will fly you to the moon for $150 million
The entire Apollo mission cost the U.S. government around $20 billion dollars — but if a U.K. start-up has its way, you could charter a trip for a flight around the Moon for the modest price of $150 million. In order to get you there, the company is looking to use tried-and-true technologies developed by the Soviet…
Could Brazil be the next space superpower?
The world's sixth largest economy is making giant leaps to bolster their launch capabilities and joining with several countries to aid in their space efforts. Let's take a look at Brazil's recent space endeavors, joint projects, plans for the future, and a nice little boost in store for those launching a rocket from a…
Space Adventures plans tourism missions around the Moon (for just $150 …
If you've got a lust for space travel, a desire to go where only a couple of dozen people have gone before, and $150 million to spare, Space Adventures needs you.
First Commercial Spacecraft is Ready for Its Closeup
Tonight marks a historic event: Virgin Galactic will unveil SpaceShipTwo, the first crewed commercial spaceship set to fly the extraterrestrial skies, at the Mojave Air and Spaceport. Get a sneak peek at the ship before its debut. [Gizmodo
Guests Will Play Spider-Man in Galactic's Space Hotel
The Galactic Suite Space Resort is scheduled to open its doors in 2012, and is already taking reservations. And there's more to your space vacation than watching the world go by; there's also wall-climbing fun and tropical island time.
Kirk and Sulu's Orbital Dive May Not be Far Off
Thus far, orbital skydiving has been the province of Star Trek and Starship Troopers, but new technological advances that deal with the heat of reentry could make orbital skydiving the next extreme sport.
Commercial Spaceflight Will Be Green, Claims President
Never mind the thrill of commercial flights into orbit, the true excitement of Virgin Galactic's plan to make spaceflight open to the world will be the new way their crafts use to get there, apparently.
