26th National Space Symposium Unfolding in Colorado Springs April 12-15, 2010
(SCN Boca Raton, Dec 7th, 2009)

This years focus is “Our Expanding Universe – 50 Years of Space Exploration.”

According to the Space Foundation (www.spacefoundation.org) “more than 8,000 registrants, guests, speakers, exhibitors, and media from across the United States and many foreign countries are expected to attend the 26th National Space Symposium. Participants, who represent both the history and future of this $220 billion industry, include senior executive leadership from NASA, NOAA, and other civil space and government agencies; the commercial space and satellite broadcasting industry; the Department of Defense and military space commands; space entrepreneurs; universities and academia; and senior representatives from the global space industry.”

Space Cruise News plans to be there and will report of its experience. This is a great opportunity for all space enthusiasts to preview the phenomenal current growth and meet some of the responsible groups that make it all possible. Both government and private sectors are well represented.

This is an excellent opportunity to interact, make new contacts and network with others in the industry. The event will take place at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs April 12th through April 15th. 

Many noted space authors, like James Oberg who wrote “The New Race For Space” over 20 years ago was way ahead of his time. There will also be an opportunity to meet Anousheh Ansari, the world's first women astronaut and first female private space explorer, who experienced over a week at the International Space Station and flew on the Russian Soyuz TMA Spacecraft in September 2006. In her words“By reaching this dream I’ve had since childhood, I hope to tangibly demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to what they can accomplish.”

Contact: Mitchell J Schultz, Editor
Space Cruise News
MJS@SpaceCruiseNews.com

Galactic Suite Orbital Hotel Taking Reservations for 2012

(November 05, 2009)

Physorg had some information on this project funded by an anonymous billionaire.
The cost of three nights on the Galactic Suite Space Resort (plus a two-month training course on a Caribbean island beforehand) will be $4.4 million US. At least 43 people have already reserved their place, with over 200 expressing an interest.

The Galactic Suite Space Resort plans to start with one pod holding four passengers and two astronaut pilots. The pod would orbit 280 miles (450 km) above the earth and travel at 18,640 mph (30,000 kph). Passengers would take a day and a half to reach the pod by Russian-built rocket, after blasting off from a spaceport on a Caribbean island. The rocket would dock with the pod for their entire stay to give the guests a sense of security. At the end of their stay the passengers would return to the rocket for the trip back to earth.

Claramunt said the project had received an anonymous grant of $3 billion given to the company by a space enthusiast billionaire.


Galactic Suite News site

Bigelow Aerospace, the American Billionaire backed Space Hotel Company
A competing and more well known company that is trying to get inflatable space hotels is Bigelow Aerospace.

Bigelow has launched two prototypes into orbit and has the following plans.

The currently third planned Bigelow launch, Sundancer, will be equipped with full life support systems, attitude control, orbital maneuvering systems, and will be capable of reboost and deorbit burns. Like the Genesis pathfinders, Sundancer will launch with its outer surface compacted around its central core, with air expanding it to its full size after entering orbit. After expansion, the module will measure 8.7 m (28.5 ft) in length and 6.3 m (20.6 ft) in diameter, with 180 cubic meters (greater than 6,000 cubic feet) of interior volume. Unlike previous Bigelow craft, it will feature three observation windows. As of 2009, SpaceX has been contracted to provide a Falcon 9 vehicle for a launch in 2011.

In August, 2009, Bigelow Aerospace announced the development of the Orion Lite spacecraft, intended to be a lower cost, and less capable version of the Orion spacecraft under development by NASA. The intention would be for Orion Lite to provide access to low earth orbit for using either the Atlas 5 or Falcon 9 launch systems, and carrying a crew of up to 7.

Bigelow Aerospace was founded by Robert Bigelow and is funded in large part by the fortune Bigelow gained through his ownership of the hotel chain Budget Suites of America. As of 2006, Bigelow had invested US$75 million in the company. Bigelow has stated that he is prepared to fund Bigelow Aerospace with about US$500 million through 2015.

On April 10, 2007, Bigelow Aerospace announced business plans to offer (by 2012) a four-week orbital stay for US$15 million, with another four weeks for an additional US$3 million. An entire orbital facility could also be leased for US$88 million a year, or half a facility for US$54 million a year

Bigelow Space Hotel concept

(January 7th, 2010 - Boca Raton, Fl)

SPACE CRUISE PLANNED IN APRIL 2011... XTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES is bringing a few famous astronauts aboard the yacht Sea Dream to select several passengers for a future sub-orbital spaceflight. Participants will experience weightlessness on a Zero-G flight from the Kennedy Space Center and G forces during space training.

A Florida company is bringing several U S Hall of Fame Astronauts on the luxury yacht Sea Dream to select future orbital space participants during their 'Space Cruise' week event in April 2011. According to Mitchell J Schultz, it's Director, “ninety-six possible participants from around the globe are expected to register and become a part of space history.”

As the opportunity for commercial human spaceflight approaches, XTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES will enable a number of their participants to be selected and take part in this newest advent of excitement and exploration for man......by becoming a passenger on a future sub-orbital spaceflight.

Schultz further elaborates “with chances no greater than one out of twelve and with a week full of stimulating space related events, participants will thrill to the experience of a lifetime as they schmooze with others of similar interests and mingle with U S Hall of Fame Astronauts that are all part of the festivities.”

In addition, XTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES will bring participants to Kennedy Space Center for a variety of special events including a star-studded finale paying tribute to the surviving Apollo Astronauts attending plus a chartered Zero-G flight, where each person will receive a personalized flight suit along with photos and a DVD of their experience. Participants will also receive a special two day space training program at NASTAR, near Philadelphia, where NASA has trained several Astronauts.

Ever since the dawn of early human spaceflight in the 1960's, mans desire to experience the awe of space, weightlessness and feel the power of  rockets and G  forces has excited many to wonder if and when will this opportunity be within reach. Now, it appears that the time is almost at hand with the successful flight of SpaceShipOne in October 2004 and entering the world into a  commercial sub-orbital space race.

With costs ranging from $95,000 to $250,000 for a seat, XTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES has put together a program for $35,000 that Schultz claims “will allow all our participants an opportunity to not only taste the flavors of a space trip, with their space training and weightless flight experience, but will also send up to eight lucky participants on a future spaceflight with an authorized FAA licensed carrier or provide for a payment of $150,000 to each of the lucky eight chosen participants if there are no scheduled flights or departures by April 30, 2013.”  The value provided, with all their planned activities, plus the excellent chances of selection, combined with the enthusiastic support of all the Astronauts and Registered Participants from around the Globe, should make this one of the premier space events of 2010. He value provided with the excellent chances of selection and the marvelous registered Participants from around the Globe with all their planned activities should make this one of the premier space events of 2010.

Mitchell J Schultz is an experienced adventurer, world traveler and avid space enthusiast. Traveling for over 40 years, he has visited over 50 countries and has founded XTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES, LLC to market the making of 'Dreams to Reality' for the true space adventurer. Discriminating travelers with the inclination and the budget to take the space cruise will participate in the world's most exhilarating week of space related events and activities culminating with sending participants on a future sub-orbital spaceflight that will forever become one of their most memorable experiences.

For more information visit www.XtraOrdinaryAdventures.com

Contact: Mitchell J Schultz, Director
Tel: (561)847-4535
Fax:(561)847-4534
Email: \n MJS@XtraOrdinaryAdventures.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

A- Although there are a number of companies developing their vehicles, our pick is Scaled Composite's new SpaceShipTwo Cruiser known as “ENTERPRISE” to begin the experience in late 2010. RocketPlane Global's RocketPlane XP has yet to prove it's concept and make the trip as well as XCOR's Xerus, PlanetSpace's Silver Dart, SpaceX's Flacon, Blue Origin's Goddard (from the New Shepard Program), SpaceDev's Dream Chaser, Starchaser's Thunderstar, or the Russian's Explorer from Space Adventures. It looks as if there are quite a few vying to capture the new sub orbital space adventure frontier!

Q- What will it cost?

A- Space Adventures has been offering the experience for $102,000, however, with whom? It's unproven Explorer? RocketPlane XP which has not yet flown and demonstrated its proof of concept, through Incredible Adventures or Space Travellers is accepting 50 founder reservations at $250,000 each. Hopefully flying in 2010. Abercrombie and Kent (A & K Travel) had also been accepting bookings at similar costs but their deal has melted! Planet Space's Silver Dart, also untested, will soon be accepting reservations for $250,000. Virgin Galactic's $200,000 fare has received hundreds of reservations. Soon Xtraordinary Adventures will offer a $35,000 space experience package with some lucky picks going into sub orbital space! What next?

Q- Am I safe?

A- This is a risky business. Each carrier will have to demonstrate, over time, its ability to transport passengers, safely and bring them through an experience worth the risks and costs. Currently there is no insurance available until some history is established.

Q- Who is most likely to consider doing the experience?

A- Expect an experienced male entrepreneur over 55, probably married with children, in ok physical shape to be your most typical passenger although women should make up about 28% of the travelers. They will come worldwide but majority from the USA.

Q- I am interested in more information and options, where do I go?

A- There are lots of sources to get up to the minute information. Here is a selection of recommended resources:

Bigalow Aerodynamics (www.hobbyspace.com)
Blue Origin (www.blueorigin.com)
Incredible Adventures (www.incredible-adventures.com)
PlanetSpace (www.planetspace.org)

RocketPlane Global (www.RocketPlane.com)
Space Adventures (www.spaceadventures.com)
SpaceDev (www.SpaceDev.com)
Space Exploration Technologies (www.spacex.com)
Space Travellers (www.spacex.com)
Starchaser (www.starchaser.co.uk)
Virgin Galactic (www.virgingalactic.com)
Xcor Aerospace (www.xcor.com)

Each week SPACE CRUISE NEWS will attempt to answer your questions andclarify what is happening in the sub orbital space tourist market. As the interest of future adventurers continue to grow, what was science fiction a few decades ago now becomes almost a common place experience within the reach of millions.

If you have a question or want to learn more about a sub orbital space experience kindly email your requests to: SPACE CRUISE NEWS at request@SpaceCruiseNews.com and join our list of growing space enthusiasts and receive a FREE copy of The Weekly SPACE CRUISE NEWS Report.

PRESS RELEASE
Date Released: Thursday, January 3, 2009
Source: Purdue University

Purdue wind tunnel key for 'hypersonic vehicles,' future space planes
By using the only wind tunnel capable of running quietly at "hypersonic" speeds, Purdue University engineeve conducted experiments to yield critical data for designing an advanced aircraft called the X-51A, powered by engines called scramjets.
The X-51A test vehicle is expected to evolve into missiles capable of flying at Mach 6 - or six times the speed of sound - enabling them to hit mobile "time-critical" targets.
Scramjets also may propel future military and civilian space planes.

The quiet wind tunnel operation is critical for collecting data to show precisely how air flows over a vehicle's surface in flight. No other wind tunnel runs quietly while conducting experiments in airstreams traveling at Mach 6, said Steven Schneider, an aerospace engineer and professor in Purdue's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
"A quiet wind tunnel yields more accurate data because it more closely simulates flight," he said.

Specifically, engineers need detailed information about how airflow changes from "laminar," or smooth, to turbulent as it speeds over an aircraft's surfaces. The information is essential to properly design vehicles that fly at hypersonic speeds, or faster than Mach 5, nearly 4,000 mph, Schneider said.

The X-51 project is led by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the vehicle is being built by Pratt & Whitney and the Boeing Co. Purdue engineers are part of a national team of researchers from government, academia and industry handling different aspects of the vehicle.
The Purdue research focuses on the forebody, or front portion of the craft, using a foot-long model for wind-tunnel testing. Research findings are providing information in two vital areas: maintaining the turbulent flow of air into the engine's combustor to keep the scramjet running properly, and increasing the amount of smooth airflow over the vehicle's upper surface to reduce friction and heat that could damage or destroy the vehicle. The higher the Mach number, the greater the friction and heat generated in flight.

Findings are detailed in a research paper to be presented on Jan. 8 during the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' 46th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit in Reno, Nev. The paper was written by Schneider and graduate research assistant Matthew P. Borg.

The X-51A is a wedge-shaped vehicle with a scooplike cowl on its underbelly, where air rushes into the inlet of the engine's combustor. It is critical for air entering the inlet to be turbulent at hypersonic speeds, or the engine could "unstart," causing it to crash, Schneider said.

For this reason, air has to be converted to a turbulent flow before entering the inlet. This conversion is accomplished using a raised strip of metal placed near the inlet to "trip" the air from smooth to turbulent. Wind tunnel tests are helping engineers better understand this "roughness-induced transition."
The research findings will enable engineers to determine precisely where to place the trips and how far they should be raised from the aircraft's skin, Schneider said.
Experiments under quiet conditions yielded more accurate findings compared with experiments under noisy conditions. The quiet data indicated the trips should be raised about twice as high.

At the same time, air flowing over the top of the vehicle should be as smooth as possible to reduce friction and heating, which increases drag and necessitates a heavier thermal protection system for the vehicle's thin metal skin. Data from the experiments will be used to assess the performance of that portion of the vehicle.
"Laminar airflows can have eight times less heating than turbulent ones," Schneider said.

The researchers used a temperature-sensitive paint to measure how hot the skin of the model gets during testing. The paint was coated on a nylon strip inserted into the model. Shining a blue light onto the strip during testing generates a temperature-dependent red light from the paint. The intensity of the red light shows how hot the surface is.

"The results of our work can be used to help determine the heating and the skin friction of the vehicle, which is important for the design of the X-51A," Schneider said.
The vehicle is scheduled to fly in a series of tests by 2009. The project is part of an effort to build future missiles six times faster than today's cruise missiles. Scramjets, or supersonic combustion ramjets, could lead to the design of space planes that are far less expensive to operate than the current space shuttles, making it more affordable to haul payloads into orbit. The space planes would use a combination of scramjets and rockets. Because scramjets use air from the atmosphere as the "oxidizer" to combust fuel, they do not require the liquid oxygen needed for rockets. That means vehicles equipped with scramjets would carry less liquid oxygen  only enough needed to operate rockets at high altitude.

"And if you don't have to carry as much oxidizer, you can make the vehicle a lot lighter, or you could make the structure heavier and more robust," Schneider said.
The researchers are able to switch the wind tunnel back and forth from quiet to high-noise airflow, which allows them to compare the quality of data in the two modes.
To measure the airflow velocity and turbulence, the researchers use a heated wire about one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. The higher the speed of the airflow, the more the wire is cooled and the greater the electrical current needed to maintain the wire's hot temperature. Monitoring the changing current needed to maintain the wire's temperature reveals the changing air speed at fluctuations of up to 250,000 times per second.

"This enables us to see how it goes from laminar to turbulent," Schneider said.
The research paper details the first major findings from the quiet wind tunnel after about 18 years of research to perfect the facility, which will be used to analyze the performance of hypersonic vehicles.

"Purdue, the Air Force and private industry have invested about $1 million in this tunnel over that time, and it's finally working and getting results that are affecting the design of these vehicles," Schneider said. Scramjet vehicles could be in use by 2015.
To obtain quiet flow, the throat of the Mach 6 nozzle must be polished to a near-perfect mirror finish, eliminating roughness that will trip the flow near the wall from laminar to turbulent. Then, for the wind tunnel to remain quiet, it must be entirely free of particles. Even a single speck of sand could cause turbulence inside the wind tunnel, damaging the finish and ruining the quiet effect.

The wind tunnel is not the first of its kind. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration previously operated a wind tunnel capable of similar performance, but that wind tunnel is not currently in operation.

Purdue's wind tunnel, which has been funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NASA, Sandia National Laboratories, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and the Boeing Co., is named the Boeing/AFOSR Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel.
Writer: Emil Venere, (765) 494-4709, venere@purdue.edu
Source: Steven Schneider, (765) 494-3343, steves@ecn.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: An electronic copy of the paper is available from Emil Venere at (765) 494-4709, venere@purdue.edu, and can be downloaded at http://cobweb.ecn.purdue.edu/~aae519/BAM6QT-Mach-6-tunnel/tunnelpapers/2008-0592.pdf

PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue doctoral student Matthew P. Borg holds a model of an advanced aircraft called the X-51A, which will be powered by engines called scramjets and capable of flying at Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. Purdue engineers, using the only wind tunnel capable of running quietly at "hypersonic" speeds, have conducted experiments to yield data critical for the vehicle's design. The researchers, led by Steven Schneider, are reporting the first major findings from the quiet wind tunnel after about 18 years of research to perfect the facility, which will be used to analyze the performance of hypersonic vehicles. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)

A publication-quality photograph is available at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2007/borg-windtunnel.jpg