Private companies hold the key to space travel's future
Sierra County, New Mexico (CNN) -- There are no roller coasters near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. No Ferris wheels, either.
Yet this desert town could soon be a hot destination for thrill-seekers from around the world.
That's because nearby, within New Mexico's high desert valley, is the future home of Spaceport America -- the world's first commercial spaceport.
And it's the first stop for those who want to travel into space.
The $207 million facility, paid for by New Mexico's taxpayers, is based on the dream of a British billionaire.
"People used to tell me it would be impossible to build your own spaceship and your own spaceship company and take people into space," says Richard Branson, who heads Virgin Galactic.
"That's the sort of challenge that I love: to prove them wrong."
So far, 500 people have signed up to be among the first space tourists. The cost of the first flights: $200,000 per person.
When they fly, the tourist astronauts' craft will be attached to a mother ship called WhiteKnight 2. It will climb high into the sky, and will then release the spacecraft, called SpaceShip 2, which will roar above the Earth, reaching an altitude of about 350,000 feet.
They will experience weightlessness for about four minutes.
Branson says the $200,000 price tag will come down as flying into space becomes more commonplace -- just like the first airliners.
Branson's family holds tickets for the inaugural flight.
"We've got extensive tests over the next 15 months before myself and my children go into space," he told CNN in May. "And my wife won't forgive me if I don't bring the kids back."
Space travel is no small feat. It's expensive and risky. And now, companies like Virgin Galactic are trying to do what only governments have been able to achieve -- and they have a wallet thick enough to try.
While Branson's company is geared toward tourism, other companies are trying to win contracts to carry supplies and people to the International Space Station.
It's all part of NASA's plan to help these companies succeed and to continue U.S. access to the space station, once the shuttle program ends in July.
"Ideally, we'd like to have multiple competitors who come down to at least two that we can use so that we always have an alternative should one falter or fail," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said.
Hold Onto Your Dreams - News
The $207 million facility, paid for by New Mexico's taxpayers, is based on the dream of a British billionaire. "People used to tell me it would be impossible to build your own spaceship and your own spaceship company and take people into space," says
So hey, all you folks who just know you're America's next idol or the greatest young player since LeBron James: Hold on to your dreams, but be prepared to make a living in other ways as well. Got a problem? Acknowledge it. Hal is the typical hotshot,
“You are our hope,” he said, and he enjoined them to “hold onto your dreams.” Mayor Joanne Twomey urged the graduates to not follow conventions but to make their own way in the world. In addition, she said, “Never give up. The only person who can stop
"The important thing to remember is -- hold on to your dreams and know that you are entering into the world of possibilities," Tardy, herself a Nokomis graduate, told the assembly. "Hold on to your dreams. You alone are responsible for the outcome.
They're the people you go out quading with, study with, go to the movies with, maybe sometimes even live with. The friends you have in this class have changed your lives. Moving on to our families- thank you. I know it isn't always easy; we argue,
Chi-Lites New Hit Single Hold On TO Your Dream (Live) | Pure Fame ...
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dont fear change, if anything fear the chance that u could miss the best change towards the future u want. hold onto your dreams.
Working late, needing inspiration and turned on Stevie Wonder "Hold onto your dreams." Ready to go. What song inspires you?
RT : Means Always Believe In Your Dreams No Matter What. Hold Onto Them Because They're Something You Can Look Forward To♥
Means Always Believe In Your Dreams No Matter What. Hold Onto Them Because They're Something You Can Look Forward To♥
Stop fighting so hard to hold onto your plans And dreams and let God give you HisHold Onto Your Dreams - Bookshelf
Hold on to your dreams, Arthur Russell and the downtown music scene, 1973-1992
""Hold On to Your Dreams" tells the story of an artist whose life becomes more intriguing with every turn.Hold on to Your Dreams, Regardless of Your Past
It has taken her fifteen years to write the book because of the deeply buried emotions that surfaced while writing.The Confident Woman Devotional, 365 Daily Inspirations
Hold on to Your Dreams So it was year ... saying, O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid and [earnestly] remember, ...Dhirubhaism
Hold on to your dreams and they are bound to come true. If there is one person who was living proof of this belief, it was Dhirubhai Ambani. ...Hold on to Your Dreams
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Hold Onto Your Dream Lyrics - You always felt you had a destiny (yeah) You wouldn't bow down to the Gods Of money and power, baby You burned bright to she'd your...
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HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAMS LYRICS - KEITH URBAN
Keith Urban "Hold On To Your Dreams" Lyrics: Keith UrbanG M Holden Monday morning another workin week ahead Friday seems so far away The clock keeps ringin I gotta get up...