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Adventure
to Space: FAQ, Page 2
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Will all seats
be window seats?
Definitely. The design of the Space Cruiser allows maximum visibility and
comfort of the voyager.
 Who
is Vela Technology Development?
Incredible Adventures is taking reservations for flights aboard the Space
Cruiser. Vela Technology Development is the company responsible for building
and operating the vehicles. The Vela team consists of former NASA, Air
Force and aerospace industry experts.
Can you tell
me something about the technology being used?
Vela has taken existing engine, rocket, airframe and cabin technology
and made modifications to accommodate passengers instead of payloads. In
many ways, the Space Cruiser duplicates the X-15, which was the first US
inhabited vehicle to ascend into space.
| This time
everyone gets to go! |
What sort of
engines will it have?
The Space Cruiser will have two kinds of propulsion systems. A pressure-fed,
liquid-fueled rocket engine will be used for the climb into space and commercial
turbo jet engines will be used for the return from space. For "rocket
fuel" we will use a nitrous oxide and propane combination. This combination
meets several criteria: it produces ecologically benign exhaust, is safe
for passengers and ground crew, is readily available and adapts well to
pressure-fed engines.
What will the
Space Cruiser be made of?
To provide a strong, lightweight structure, the Space Cruiser will be made
of carbon fiber composite material. Because of the design, there is no
need for exotic design materials.
Who will pilot
the Space Cruiser?
Pilots will receive extensive training at the National Test Pilot's School.
Their training will include classroom, simulator and flight testing. There
will be two pilots. One will serve as a back-up pilot and act as an expedition
leader during the flight, dispensing information about what is being experienced.
Will there
be turbulence?
There may be some sort of turbulence at certain points in the flight, but
it will be no more than that experienced on a commercial airline flight.
The occurrence of turbulence will be a function of weather patterns.
What are the
chances I will get sick?
The feeling of freefall may make some uncomfortable and queasy. People
with "weak stomachs" (those bothered by a roller coaster ride)
will need to take precautions prior to the flight. As part of your pre-flight
training, you will learn the reasons for space sickness and how you can
best avoid it.
Do I wear a
flight suit? If so, can I keep it?
All participants will receive two personalized flight suits at the orientation
briefing. The suits will be worn during pre-flight training as well as
during the actual flight. These are yours to keep as mementos of your Incredible
Adventure. You will be issued specially-designed headgear for use during
the flight.
Why can't a
regular airplane take you to 100 km?
Regular airplanes rely on air-breathing engines. The higher an aircraft
flies, the less oxygen there is available to power the engines properly.
Therefore, in order to "boost" an aircraft out of the Earth's
atmosphere, rocket-propulsion is required.
Please visit us again soon for
updates, give us a call at 800-644-7382, or use this
form to to learn more.
| More than
just a ride. It's a total space experience! |
|
