Virgin teams up with NASA on space flights

Virgin Galactic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NASA regarding a future collaboration on the development of space equipment.

The two companies agreed to the possibility of jointly developing space suits, space craft heat shields, hypersonic vehicles, and rocket motors, among other technology, along with access to NASA's Ames research facility.

Stressing that the MOU is simply a commitment to "explore the potential for collaborations", NASA pointed out that it would not involve the training or transport of NASA astronauts or technical instruction from the space agency to Virgin.

Sir Richard Branson's company welcomed the MOU as a "formal recognition of the mutual respect and close relationship" between the organisations, adding that it was "a ringing endorsement for the emerging commercial manned space industry".

It forms part of an ongoing effort on the part of NASA to build commercial space travel research partnerships between the public and private sector, but it does not include fees or funding from either party.

Virgin Galactic is offering its customers the opportunity to fly into space for an initial fare of $195,000, and it is believed that Star Trek actor William Shatner and Alien star Sigourney Weaver will be among the first passengers.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Lee Reid]

William Shatner has repeatedly asserted that his name is being used without permission in this matter. In December 2004, on CBS "The Late Late Show", Shatner said that reports of his interest in going into space are a lie. Shatner told the Ottawa Citizen that he has considered getting a Cease and Desist on the use of his name.

Just this month (Feb 2007) News.com.au asked Shatner "Is it true you made a reservation with Virgin to go on the space shuttle when it goes public?" Shatner's reply: "That's the perfect example of someone using my name without my permission and I have no idea what they're talking about!"

Read that interview here...
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21173195-5007183,00.html