Despite, or perhaps because of my last, cheerless and downright depressing two entries, “Robertson Says God Gave Sharon the Stroke,” and “Alito Senate Hearings…” I will move on to a more fascinating, and cheerful one, dear Journal.

The entrepreneur, Richard Branson has created the company, Virgin Galactic, and they have contracted with the state of New Mexico to build a spaceport in the Southern part of that state, near Truth or Consequences.

Virgin Galactic also revealed that up to 38,000 people from 126 countries have paid a deposit for a seat on one of its manned commercial flights, including a core group of 100 "founders" who have paid the initial $200,000 cost of a flight upfront. Virgin Galactic is planning to begin flights in late 2008 or early 2009.

*


I’m thinking of putting in a deposit myself, but by 2009 I will be 90 years old, and perhaps in no shape to take a flight into outer space. I’m sure I could manage it now. I’m in great shape for my age. I walk extremely fast, about one mile every day. I lift light weights and swim at the Lancaster Racquetball and Health Club. Perhaps I should make a reservation. If I did, I’m sure Ruth (my daughter) would be apoplectic.

Besides, my foil man looks as though he’s already to go on a space flight.

You can also visit the Virgin Galactic Website.

I'll have more about my visit to Miami in the next entry.

*Virgin Galactic to Offer Space Flights, Associated Press on "Spcace.com," http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/virgin_space_040927.html, viewed Friday, January 13, 2006, 9:18 AM.

*Virgin Galactic: The logical next step. Paul Rincon, BBC News Online science staff,
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/virgin_space_040927.html
Monday, Sept. 27 2004, viewed Friday, January 13, 2006, 9:21 AM EST.



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