Quote:
Originally Posted by gary
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So the operators collect €25.90 and they run a business selling the the thrill
of an experience and a breathtaking view.
In a similar vain, now and then operators charter Qantas 747's to fly
paying sightseers over the edge of Antarctica.
..........I can only imagine, but I bet the view is to die for.  |
I crewed the Croydon Travel B747 Charter over Antarctica for the 2003 Total solar eclipse....Dying for the view was not an option
But I take your point, while Branson's ride is expensive, it is also an indicator that Aerospace technologies are pushing new boundaries.
As a side note, both the B747-400 and A380-800 could reach orbit if they could maintain sea-level thrust at altitude.
Being air breathers sadly they cannot....then there is all that dynamic pressure, thermal stuff, hull pressure etc. that the lack of which you would die for....
none the less...a real space plane may be closer than we think.