Jan 23, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Bucks County's Outer-Space Experience
BUCKS COUNTY (CBS 3) ―
The concept of
commercial space travel is one step closer to becoming a reality with Richard
Branson's Virgin Galactic unveiling what will be the first craft, "The
Space Ship Two."
The news was great for the NASTAR center in Southampton
who provides the training for all of Virgin Galactic's space travelers.
"Means more
people will here about is we'll get more exposure which will result in more
business," said Dick Leland of NASTAR Center.
So far more
than 85,000 people expressed interest in the Space Ship Two, and with an
initial price tag of $200,000 dollars, NASTAR makes sure people get the most
out of it.
"You don't
want to waste your 200 thousand dollar ticket closing your eyes waiting for it
to be over you want to enjoy it so we built the mental set for them," said
Robert Lloyd of NASTAR Center.
The ship seats
eight people and is hauled into launch position by a plane where it's released
at 50,000 feet and launched into space.
Leslie Van
Arsdall said her crash course in virtual travel was supposed to be half as
intense as the real thing, "But it seemed realistic to me."
The machine
puts your body through a lot but travelers can expect more luxurious conditions
aboard the space ship two which includes reclining seats and lots of windows.
"This is
not a minivan ride or a truck or even a ride on a space shuttle this something
where they are taking people up in a great deal of comfort," Lloyd said.
And for those
who don't have $200,000, the virtual ride is the next best thing and the only
one like it in the world.
The "Space
Experience" opens to the public in March and prices ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
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