Richard Branson's Virgin space tourism venture takes off
11:02 a.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2006
It's for the astronaut wannabe's or anyone who has dreamed of traversing the final frontier.
Now, some 45 years after the the launch of the Jetson's you too can travel to space. And Jim Sheehy of ProTravel International is one of 45 travel agents in the country who are authorized by Virgin Galactic to see you a seat.
"The Price is $200,000," Sheehy said.
What you get is a ride in the rocket at 3,000 mph into suborbital space.
The highlight of the trip? Just like the astronauts, weightlessness.
For five minutes you will be allowed to unbuckle your seatbelt and roam about the cabin.
Dennis Tito was the first space tourist going up on a Russian craft in 2001. He paid $20 million for that adventure. Space travel we learn though is not for everyone, at any price.
Nearly 100 people have already signed up, personally invited by the head of the Virgin Group Richard Branson to be among the first. They reportedly include Alien star sigourney weaver and hotel heiress Paris Hilton.
As for business at ProYravel International in Pasadena, Sheehy says five people are making serious inquiries for the trip which lasts all of two and a half hours.
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