Inflatable space hotel to blast off

[El_Machinae]

Time to start putting some coin aside to save up for a trip. With compounding interest, I wonder how long it would actually take to save up for something like this?

Bigelow Aerospace of Las Vegas, Nevada - a nascent space tourism company owned by hotelier Robert Bigelow - has reserved slots on two Russian Dnepr rockets, which are converted SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Each rocket will launch a scaled-down prototype of the company's inflatable space habitat into low-Earth orbit later this year. The launch dates cannot be divulged because the use of an ICBM means the information falls under US arms trade restrictions.

Newscientist

 

[puglover]

Sounds like a lame idea for a vacation, IMHO.

 

[Leonel]

Oh boy, spend a couple of days where I have to learn how to shower and use the necessities all over again in an environment where recycling EVERYTHING is essential to preventing the cost of staying there rising higher than it's already outrageous pricing?

Weightlessness may be cool for an hour or so but unless they have some sort of simulated gravity, no thanks!

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

if I had the bling, I would totally do it. Being in space is one of my dreams (see avatar).

Yay science!!

EDIT: Since I changed my avatar that comment seems odd. But think how much Orrin Porter Rockwell would like to go into orbit!

 

[IglooDame]

if I had the bling, I would totally do it. Being in space is one of my dreams (see avatar).

Yay science!!

Ditto, though while I've pretty much never been seasick, I have a feeling spacesickness would kick my butt...

 

[fishlore]

I would absolutely love it as well. If we continue poisoning the planet or wander in front of a massive comet I bet a lot more people would be open to the idea as well. I see this as essential research more than I see it as a space hotel.

 

[El_Machinae]

if I had the bling, I would totally do it. Being in space is one of my dreams (see avatar).

Yay science!!

You realise that it's quite feasible that you can get to space, especially if you gear part of your life towards it? All you need to do is to save a bit of money (and let it compound) with the intention of purchasing space rides/ moving to space. The price will come down as your savings go up. Eventually they'll meet.

The technology will advance more quickly if there is a customer base.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

You realise that it's quite feasible that you can get to space, especially if you gear part of your life towards it? All you need to do is to save a bit of money (and let it compound) with the intention of purchasing space rides/ moving to space. The price will come down as your savings go up. Eventually they'll meet.

The technology will advance more quickly if there is a customer base.

Yes, if the technology keeps going forward. The problem is that I would have to set aside a significant chunk, which I could probably only do if I were making enough. But if I am, it would be a great way to celebrate my retirement (as I would probably be retirement age before I was able).

 

[blackheart]

A few days after launch, headlines all over the world: "Giant Space Needle Deflates Dreams"

 

[Abaddon]

i love more and more of this is happening, i really believe me will start to see a space tourism market within my lifetime, if atleast into zero gravity.

 

[El_Machinae]

Well, they launched it. Put it on a Russian rocket, and sent a prototype into space.

We'll now see how this works. And you'll note that it's hitting more mainstream news now.

Russians launch inflatable spacecraft

 

[Esox]

The technology will advance more quickly if there is a customer base.

There is already a customer base, and it will only grow. There are more millionaires than ever, and the opportunity to travel into space will be a real elite sport in a matter of years.
The kid from N*Sync or whatever was a bit of a joke, but he'll turn out to be just the first in a long line.

 

[CaptainF]

This is freaking AWESOME!!!

Now, to get me some money for the trip of a lifetime.

 

[Dreadnought]

If I could go, I'd definitly would

 

[ew0054]

That is awesome!!

I would want to live up there. Think about it, no neighbors! But having mail sent to me could get expensive. $10,000 postage stamps and all.

 

[Bluemofia]

Ditto, though while I've pretty much never been seasick, I have a feeling spacesickness would kick my butt...

Just picture the feeling of constantly falling, but you being perfectly safe...

You'll get used to it. (In theory)

But I would gladly spend 10K for a vacation in space. Really would love to go!

 

[BCLG100]

I'd love to go but can i bring my darts?