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18/10/2011
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico.
More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
The flight of WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo was the main attraction during the dedication of the Sir Norman Foster custom designed building and announcements of new scientific and educational customers for the world’s first commercial space line.
“Today is another history-making day for Virgin Galactic,” said Sir Richard Branson. “We’ve never wavered in our commitment to the monumental task of pioneering safe, affordable and clean access to space, or to demonstrate that we mean business at each step along the way.”
The port will be used to offer civilian astronauts the chance to experience sub-orbital flights in space. Tickets cost $200,000 (£127,266) and deposits start from $20,000 (£12,726).
In other space related news today, the Minister for Science has announced the appointment of Professor Keith Mason to the UK Space Agency.
"I am delighted that Professor Mason has agreed to take up this important work with the UK Space Agency," Minister David Willetts said. "His expertise will help ensure we realise the full commercial potential of our space sector to drive growth."
During his secondment, Professor Mason will advise on steps needed to leverage research and maximise the economic growth of the space sector in the UK.
Professor Mason said: "I am passionate about the scientific and commercial opportunities that space offers, and am excited by the Minister's invitation to make an important contribution to delivering key aspects of the Space Innovation and Growth Strategy."
Also on Tuesday, the first £8.5 million of investment from the UK's National Space Technology Programme was announced by the Science Minister.
The UK space sector will use the money to match-fund a range of projects with industry to develop commercial products and services using space technology or space-derived data.
Under the proposals, the UK Space Agency is seeking to fund projects that fall into market areas such as satellite telecommunications, robotics, exploration and access to space.
Mr Willetts said: "The UK space industry is an important driver of growth and supports thousands of the most high-tech jobs we have in this country. This investment will take that success further, as part of the £10 million for space technology announced in the Budget.
"It will help innovative British businesses design and manufacture highly commercial, cutting-edge products that will be in global demand."
(DW/CD)
More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
The flight of WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo was the main attraction during the dedication of the Sir Norman Foster custom designed building and announcements of new scientific and educational customers for the world’s first commercial space line.
“Today is another history-making day for Virgin Galactic,” said Sir Richard Branson. “We’ve never wavered in our commitment to the monumental task of pioneering safe, affordable and clean access to space, or to demonstrate that we mean business at each step along the way.”
The port will be used to offer civilian astronauts the chance to experience sub-orbital flights in space. Tickets cost $200,000 (£127,266) and deposits start from $20,000 (£12,726).
In other space related news today, the Minister for Science has announced the appointment of Professor Keith Mason to the UK Space Agency.
"I am delighted that Professor Mason has agreed to take up this important work with the UK Space Agency," Minister David Willetts said. "His expertise will help ensure we realise the full commercial potential of our space sector to drive growth."
During his secondment, Professor Mason will advise on steps needed to leverage research and maximise the economic growth of the space sector in the UK.
Professor Mason said: "I am passionate about the scientific and commercial opportunities that space offers, and am excited by the Minister's invitation to make an important contribution to delivering key aspects of the Space Innovation and Growth Strategy."
Also on Tuesday, the first £8.5 million of investment from the UK's National Space Technology Programme was announced by the Science Minister.
The UK space sector will use the money to match-fund a range of projects with industry to develop commercial products and services using space technology or space-derived data.
Under the proposals, the UK Space Agency is seeking to fund projects that fall into market areas such as satellite telecommunications, robotics, exploration and access to space.
Mr Willetts said: "The UK space industry is an important driver of growth and supports thousands of the most high-tech jobs we have in this country. This investment will take that success further, as part of the £10 million for space technology announced in the Budget.
"It will help innovative British businesses design and manufacture highly commercial, cutting-edge products that will be in global demand."
(DW/CD)
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