The AirVenture show in Oshkosh is going on right now, and one of the stars of the show is WhiteKnight Two, the mother ship for the first commercial trip to space. If you have the cash. Making a trip to outer space has always been a dream of mine, and right now it's a race between technology and cost and my age. However, the pieces are being put in place that may make it common place for my kids.
One of those pieces is Virgin Galactic and the combination of WhiteKnight Two and SpaceShip Two. WhiteKnight Two carries SpaceShip Two up to 50,000 ft, where it is released and rockets up on a sub-orbital trajectory. Virgin Galactic does the job of advertising, selling tickets and fronting the money. Whatever - I just wish I could be there. But those tickets are several years worth of salary.
Anyway, I can still dream and if you want to dream along with me these articles should help. First, an interview with the test pilot of WhiteKnightTwo. Next, some shots inside the cockpit. Finally, here's the video of SpaceShipOne, winner the Ansari X Prize.
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I flew into Oshkosh several years ago in my Bonanza E35. They let me park in the vintage aircraft section since my plane was built in 1954. It was a great experience. Quite a bit different than SpaceShipOne! At this point, I don't mind leaving the space exploration to the kids. I guess I'm getting less adventurous with age :).
ReplyDeleteNext time you head up there let me know. I'd love to go. You, Scott and I should make a week of it some time. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat would be fun. I will be sure to let you know!
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