Historically, the Falcon 1 was originally planned to launch about 600 kilograms (1,300 lb) to low-Earth orbit for US$6,000,000 but later declined to approximately 420 kilograms (930 lb) as the price increased to approximately US$9,000,000. The final version of the Falcon 1, the Falcon 1e, was projected to provide approximately 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb) for US$11 million. The vehicle is now retired.
Also on the Virgin Galactic page with the (old news) article, earlier this week was the eighth anniversary of the winning of the X-Prize.Who would have thought that commercial flights would still be a year or two away?
From the article:LauncherOne will be a two-stage vehicle capable of carrying up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms) to orbit for prices below $10 million.
Cost per launch matters. Sometimes more than cost per kilogram.
That tank doesn't look too scary. It's just the fact it's right next to where the passengers sit and very highly pressurised that has me worried.
Inspection and quality control will have to be maintained. How many times do they refill?
I'm never getting on a SS2. Even if I was given a free ride. You need to remember the thing with death traps. Those that die first don't get a warning. Challenger, Concorde... It's morbid to think but you need to be sensible with your life.
It's a commercial market.One I intend to spend money in if I ever can.There's Blue Origin and XCOR. I trust them more, they should be operational long before I can afford a flight myself I'm never getting on a SS2. Even if I was given a free ride. You need to remember the thing with death traps. Those that die first don't get a warning. Challenger, Concorde... It's morbid to think but you need to be sensible with your life.