We all know that today you don’t have to be an astronaut to get into space. All you need is a pile o cash and NASA can help you, as it is a profitable business. It’s no wonder then that space agencies are now focusing on cheaper methods to get tourists into space. One such agency is EADS, from Europe, who developed a prototype rocket plane, capable of carrying people high into space, at 100 kilometers altitude.

The space plane looks very similar to a business jet, but wings are wider that usual, as lift force is a problem in low density atmosphere. Another important change is the rocket engine, powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen. The rocket engine ignites only after reaching  a 12.000 meters altitude. Till then two conventional jet engines are generating thrust for the space plane. The plane is supposed to reach an altitude of 100 kilometers, where near zero gravity force can be experienced for a couple of minutes, probably two or three.

At 267.000 $ you won’t feel crouded in space

Now don’t imagine that you’ll be able to afford one trip in a few years, but prices might fall in a couple of decades. The problem is price, as initial calculations show that a ticket will cost around 267.000 $. This price range estimates around 4500 paying customers till 2020, so we have a multi-billion industry or 1.2 billions, to be precise. Initial plans consider building five vehicles with one week refurbish rate, than allows one trip per, you guessed, week. I can’t say that now I’m rubbing my hands with enthusiasm, as I’m pretty sure that I’ll only see the plane from outside for a looong time, but hey, I’m not giving up hope.

Source: Space