Calling all astronauts! Ever wondered what it would be like to test out your space legs for real? The owner of the SpaceShipTwo, Virgin Galactic, is serving up a new and pricey space ride.
The SpaceShipTwo is designed like a rocket into space at a very fast pace. However, it will only be rising about 65 miles above the ground in New Mexico. Plus, the ride will only last for a few minutes– giving passengers a quick taste of what it’s like to launch into the atmosphere!
Although this space ship may seem fun to many, it is extremely expensive. One ride costs a steep $200,000, but already 545 people have bought their tickets! So what are these 545 people in for? David Mackay, the lead pilot of SpaceShipTwo, explains that after a three-day training program to prep the passengers, they will leave the Virgin terminal at the Spaceport America.
David Mackay compares the experience to “a roller coaster ride where you’re all excited just to strap in and then you have this long, steep climb, up to that initial drop. Some people love that sort of thing. Others perhaps get a little bit nervous. We have to think about that – how to make everyone relaxed and keep them calm during that part of the flight.”
If given the chance, would you be brave enough to board the SpaceShipTwo? Let us know in the comments below!