Virgin Galactic plans to resume spaceflights for wealthy customers at around $600,000 per flight, lasting 2.5 hours with only 5 minutes above 80 km. The definition of the boundary of space varies, with the Karman Line at 100 km supported by the FAI, while the FAA considers it at 80 km.
Author: Steve Hurley
Hi I am Steve Hurley. Although I work in the IT industry. I studied for a PhD in astronomy in the 1980s. My real passion is explaining scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience. My blog (explainingscience.org) covers various scientific topics, but primarily astronomy. It is written in a style that it is easily understandable to the non scientist.
Publications and videos
For links to my books and videos please visit www.explainingscience.org
December 21 2018 – the solstice
The winter solstice, occurring around December 21, marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon's significance is tied to early human cultures, illustrated by Stonehenge, which aligns with solstice events. Celebrations continue today, especially among groups like Druids and Pagans, honoring the gradual return of sunlight.
e-book on Venus from Explaining Science
Updated 7 December 2025 Venus is, the planet closest to the Earth in size and internal composition, and the brightest natural object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. This completly revised e-book covers most of the main areas about Venus. Why is it so bright? The 584-day cycle where Venus goes through… Continue reading e-book on Venus from Explaining Science
Soyuz MS-11
On 3 December 2018 a Soyuz spacecraft will take off on a mission to transport three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The new crew will be ISS Expedition 58 and will stay at the station for six months and their arrival will allow the current ISS crew to return to Earth. Mission patch… Continue reading Soyuz MS-11
The future of the International Space Station
After the Soyuz spacecraft failed to get into orbit on 11 October 2018, it looked like Soyuz flights to the ISS might be on hold for a period of time and that the ISS would even need to be temporarily abandoned. Luckily this hasn't happened. The next Soyuz will fly to the ISS on 3… Continue reading The future of the International Space Station
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