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Boldly going where no entrepreneur has gone before - Dragon

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by Chuck., May 22, 2012.

  1. Chuck.

    Chuck. Former Honda Enzyte Driver

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    The Dragon freighter launched today for a planned dock at the ISS Thursday.

    First orbital flight by a private entity.

    BBC News - Nasa chief hails new era in space

    The ashes of 308 people including Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper and James Doohan ("Scotty" of ST) were on board.

    Maybe keeping the ISS going will be cheaper, but also this could pave the way for space tourism. Only 500 people have ever been in space. When thousands go, venture capital may find a way to make ground to low-earth orbit travel routine - pave the way for going farther.
     
    #1 Chuck., May 22, 2012
  2. massparanoia

    massparanoia Active Member

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    Private competition can only help. Drive costs down and foster innovation.
     
    #2 massparanoia, May 22, 2012
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #3 cwerdna, May 23, 2012
  4. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    There's an interesting issue that will have to be solved for space tourism to go mainstream: Space suits are expensive and space sickness is common. If you're not among the first, you'll likely be wearing a suit that numerous people before you have barfed into. They'll need to develop a method for thoroughly cleaning the suits.
     
    #4 daniel, May 23, 2012
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