2007 Private Space Tourism Spaceship Manufacturing Outlook
By Lance Winslow Well it looks like spaceship manufacturing is getting underway and the privatization of space is nearly here. One question remains however? Simon Says; "How large a fleet of 'rocket gliders' should Branson order for purchase?" Well my thoughts are this; they should buy Eight units and 15 motors now because he will need 3 working units at all times (three flights a day). After each flight complete 150 pt. inspections. And realize that you need two units to test new modifications and ideas and spares. After the first four months order 4 more and think on this; 40% of all those who signed up will change their minds and he will want to go bigger in the future, so save the cash to build larger units every 8-10 months, thus time to build them and test them too. They need to expedite the first batch and that means a smaller order will bring them onto the ramp quicker. Next once the tourism starts the list will grow and this means they can increase the size o...