While the expansion of the Human race beyond the borders of our world to orbiting and offworld “space stations” might seem like science fiction to some, many see it as the next step, the next frontier just waiting to be tapped by the corporations and entrepreneurs of the future on our journey to the stars and, of course, the greater beyond.
And it seems that a future of the corporate development of space isn’t as far off as most people might be inclined to believe. Already, major entertainment and aerospace companies like the under-publicized Virgin Galactic (mindblowing, isn’t it?) are gearing up to make some of the first affordable (relatively speaking) orbital flights for civilian passengers in 2008– that’s next year, and it doesn’t stop there.
Major developers of casinos and hotels have already begun testing designs for modular orbitals in the vein of inflatable space habitats and other forms of sealed environments– Robert Bigalow, the man who made his fortune through the Budget Suites of America hotel chain and Hilton International are at the forefront of this operation, with stiff competition coming up from behind from none other than the aforementioned Virgin Galactic, who just might end up being the first company to offer not only orbital space flight to the consumer, but a stay at a luxurious orbital hotel between earthbound spaceports as well. Rumors of Steve Wynn’s space casino project also run rampant alongside these very real, very definitive plans, but as yet remain unsubstantiated at this present time ...
For more from this talented writer, click here
