So as I watched the first commercial spacecraft reach space for the third time, I was wondering on the implications this would have on business. Already the makers of Space Ship One are in negotiations with Virgin Atlantic Airways to build a much larger version that would be able to take civilians into space. The larger craft could use an arching thrust instead of completely vertical to cut cross-continental flights into minutes instead of hours. The craft can also be used to launch cargo into space. And it creates an era of commercial spaceflight instead of government controlled projects.

What do you think the future impacts of this would be?

Wow. I guess I was also watching the same thing on CNN a few minutes ago [ Guess cos I was concentrating on something else and the news was in the background! ].

If this thing really turns into a Reality then it will sure be a commercial wonder!

As you already pointed out- it would mean a Drastic Reduction in Travel Time [ And, Perhaps the costs too! , Fast transfer of Cargo...

This will also mean - More UFO Spottings [heh. Just Kidding ]

Will definately be interesting to see how space travel unfolds over the next decade. The Rutan/Allen team isn't the only group that was developing these crafts. We have three such companies at Mojave Airport alone and there are others around the world. As long as they continue their efforts, we will see true innovation and competition in this area that will make it commercially viable.

I think there will be spinoff products that result from the technolgy that is developed for this. The reduction in travel time is great. Making it commercially viable will be difficult and available to the masses, I have my doubts.