The Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer
From the designer of SpaceShipOne comes the Global Flyer. It has already broken the world record for a solo flight around the world and at this very moment it is attempting to break the world record for longest flight without refueling. I absolutely LOVE this stuf! I think Richard Branson has a great vision for aeronautic development via the market rather then the government. Here is an article on what is currently taking place and here is the Global Flyers home page. Next big space development? The space elevator! This is stepping out of the box in such a huge way I am positive it will be the difference between taking a ship accross the atlantic and flying a plane. I want to be an astronaut when I grow up! As a side note, there are some great wallpapers on the Global Flyers site.
volci Said,
February 11, 2006 @ 17:47
I agree with most what you wrote, but I’d argue it’s more Burt Rutan who sees the market rather than government as the driving force.
bradlands Said,
February 13, 2006 @ 11:08
Yeah i guess its Richard Branson who is a member of the market seeking to make a profit from this stuff. The reason i said that it is Branson with the vision is because he was the one who funded the SpaceShipOne venture and obviously is funding this as well. Private ventures into space or around the world can’t get off the ground unless they are backed by wealthy businessmen with visions for what the future holds.
bradlands Said,
February 13, 2006 @ 15:06
They made it! Here is the report on their completion of a very long and not so smooth journey around the world plus some. http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/News/Steve_finally_arrives_safe.jsp
Congratulations to Steve Fossett for his new world record distance flown without refueling of 26,389.3 miles.