Fine Structure

I suppose the biggest news today is the reveal of SpaceShipTwo, Virgin Galactic's first commercial space travel vehicle. Bringing space travel to the super rich isn't that spectacular in itself, though I have faith that Branson and his team aren't just in it for the cash and it won't be long before they're pioneering ways to bring space travel to everybody. No, I don't know why I think this. Yes, I would give my left kidney to take one of these trips to space (though giving my left kidney might disqualify me from being a VG astronaut...).

The timetable for the beginning of commercial space flight is still up in the air pending a "test flying program" which I imagine means that they actually want to fly the thing to space a few times before paying customers get on board.

Check out the new videos on Virgin Galactic's site for an idea of what the trip to space might be like, sans body-hugging personal space suits. Unless, of course, Branson can guarantee a vomit-free experience. That would be the real money-maker.