http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/ Presenting the fact and fiction of tomorrow since 2001 Sat, 19 May 2012 23:03:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/comment-page-1/#comment-22417 Bill Graham Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:41:16 +0000 http://futurismic.com/?p=5340#comment-22417 In answer to Rick York's question. Yes, we Scots do understand that most space launch facilities are near the equator to help obtain orbital velocity with the minimum energy expenditure. However, you will have observed that the Virgin Galactic flights are not aimed at reaching orbit, simply in providing a spaceflight experience. Their current interest is in developing a new "tourist" sector for the Virgin business. This is just what Scotland wants also. Lossiemouth is well situated as a climbing track out over the north sea and returning over Shetland and Western Isles would provide an amazing view of Scotland and the Easterrn seaboard of Europe. It would also be clear of all of the congested, controlled airspace further south. I hope that helps Rick and Robert to understand the rational for the location. In answer to Rick York’s question. Yes, we Scots do understand that most space launch facilities are near the equator to help obtain orbital velocity with the minimum energy expenditure. However, you will have observed that the Virgin Galactic flights are not aimed at reaching orbit, simply in providing a spaceflight experience. Their current interest is in developing a new “tourist” sector for the Virgin business. This is just what Scotland wants also. Lossiemouth is well situated as a climbing track out over the north sea and returning over Shetland and Western Isles would provide an amazing view of Scotland and the Easterrn seaboard of Europe. It would also be clear of all of the congested, controlled airspace further south. I hope that helps Rick and Robert to understand the rational for the location.

]]> http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/comment-page-1/#comment-20937 Howie Firth Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:39:43 +0000 http://futurismic.com/?p=5340#comment-20937 The idea for using Lossiemouth in Scotland as a base for space tourism comes from Virgin Galactic, who chose the site because it fitted operational criteria. The Scottish Government have welcomed the idea. Those of us who hope that space travel can inspire a generation of young Scots in science and technology also welcome the possibility of the development. The idea for using Lossiemouth in Scotland as a base for space tourism comes from Virgin Galactic, who chose the site because it fitted operational criteria. The Scottish Government have welcomed the idea. Those of us who hope that space travel can inspire a generation of young Scots in science and technology also welcome the possibility of the development.

]]> http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/comment-page-1/#comment-17489 Paul Raven Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:41:47 +0000 http://futurismic.com/?p=5340#comment-17489 The article mentions that Virgin have identified the site as a potential venue, though it doesn't describe their criteria for doing so. The article mentions that Virgin have identified the site as a potential venue, though it doesn’t describe their criteria for doing so.

]]> http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/comment-page-1/#comment-17486 Robert Koslover Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:25:05 +0000 http://futurismic.com/?p=5340#comment-17486 Excellent point, Mr. York! Excellent point, Mr. York!

]]> http://futurismic.com/2008/12/31/spaceport-scotland/comment-page-1/#comment-17484 Rick York Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:00:42 +0000 http://futurismic.com/?p=5340#comment-17484 Has anyone ever explained to the Scots why most space launch facilities are nearer to the equator? Has anyone ever explained to the Scots why most space launch facilities are nearer to the equator?

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