It’s another no-go for the latest NASA launch of Endeavor, the next-to-last mission of the original space shuttle fleet to launch from the Kennedy Space Center. We bear no ill will towards NASA for this delay – better safe than sorry and, obviously, space flight is delicate business. But it did give us pause to consider the current state of the various private space flight ventures currently underway and how humanity’s continuing probe into space is an example of the ultimate TEOTWAWKI contingency plan. The big question is this:
Is there a chance we could screw up this planet so badly it becomes inhabitable? Answer: absolutely. And even if we don’t screw it up that much, in a few million years the sun is going to expand so much that it engulfs a large part of our solar system. We better have figured out a way to relocate and colonize on a large scale by then.
So which intrepid entrepreneur will lead the way into space?
Virgin Galactic – Presently this Richard Branson-powered company will be the first to offer sub-orbital space flights to the public, at a price tag of $200,000 with a $20,000 down payment. Currently in the final phase of testing, Branson’s fleet is getting close to offering regular launches from a New Mexico space port.
Space X – Operating out of Kennedy Space Center when the shuttle’s not there, this private space exploration company was founded by PayPal co-founder, Elon Musk, who put $100 million of his own money into it. Space X seems to be focused more on the commercial satellite launch side of things right now, though passenger service has not been ruled out. In 2005, Space X was awarded an indefinite length of time contract from the Air Force for an indefinite number of launches. What this means is that Space X will handle Air Force space missions for the foreseeable future.
These are the two major players now when the talk turns to private space flight, but stay tuned. Things are sure to remain interesting.
The Holistic Survival Team
Flickr / MiGFlug Warbird Rides
