Singapore family books $1 min Virgin space flight. Would you pay for it? Why and why not?
01:17 : Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Virgin Galactic, the company that made the Virgin Space flight possible.Here is a little bit more about the Virgin Space Flight; it begins when Dr Peter Diamandis announced the X Prize (later the Ansari X Prize) of $10m for the first non-government organization to launch a research to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks and developing a low-cost spaceflight. And the two men behind the Space Ship One beat their competitors and got the Ansari X Prize hence able to convince Sir Richard Branson(founder of Virgin Galactic) to fund their project. With his investment they are able to commercialise the prototype technology, thus created the world's first spaceline.
When we first heard that Virgin Galactic is able to take people to space, we were so amazed that technology have advanced so much in recent years and people now have better understanding and knowledge about space. Not only is going to space the latest trend for the rich and famous, but also there is an increase in the number of request from families to cremate their loved ones in space (also known as space burial) when they pass on.
To me, if we were given a chance to go to space, we would definitely do it because it is a once in a life time experience, you only live once and if you can afford it then, why not? You will get to experience zero gravity in space and that experience cannot be replaced by anything be it private jet rides, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides and etc. Moreover, being out there will let you understand Mother Earth better, being able to see how vulnerable we have made her, the thin atmosphere keeping out all harmful rays from entering Earth slowly getting thinner day by day. Hence, the experience will give those who have been on the ride more knowledge about the impacts of our actions on Earth, therefore, being more aware about the environment too.
Also Virgin Galatic is very much aware of the environment. Hence, they have came up with a spaceship which is able to launch much cleaner, cheaper and safer by design which is unlike the past.
Below are some aspects where Virgin Galatic's spaceship are environmentally friendly:
· Air launch - avoids the need for large and dirty ground-based rocketry.
· Hybrid rocket motor - benign, non-toxic fuels with a high altitude and short burn time due to air launch
· Unpowered descent and landing
· Fully reusable
In addition, introducing the Virgin space flight will interest companies to think that it is a feasible idea and especially when there already is a prototype makes the project even more assuring and there would be an increase in inverstment. With increase in investment the project will commence, materials and labour would be needed. This would boost the economy as there would be more jobs available, lowering unemployment rate and the increase in demand for specific goods would spur suppliers to sell more and hire more people to transport goods over or help pack the goods for delivery.
However, going to space is not for anyone, the cost for a seat on the SpaceShipTwo or the WhiteKnightTwo is $200,000. When Virgin Galatic has already reduce the price to its lowest. But for most average working family, they do not even earn this amount after years of hard work. And even for those who are more well off, some may feel that this is a total waste of money and the money can be spent on numerous luxurious holiday trips or anything else more worth it. Therefore, this new tourism industry is only able to be enjoyed by the rich and famous that are looking for something more refreshing and new.
To conclude, I strongly agree to going to space if one can ever afford it as there is no way anything can replace the experience. Although it may seem like a total waste of money as $200,000 is not a small amount of money, the introduction of the Virgin Space flight would be good for the economy and also a breakthrough allowing people to be nearer to space, being more aware of the environment and the Earth.
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