Space tourism could soon go mainstream as the technology improves and costs fall… fueling what UBS estimates to be a $3 billion annual tourism market by 2030.
The new era of private commercial space travel will be the preserve of millionaires… and notably three billionaire enterprenuers: Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk.
Here’s how their efforts compare in the race to be first, and stay the course.
Tickets Bezos, Branson and Musk have been investing billions of dollars in their space startups – and it’ll also cost a pretty penny to be part of it.
Branson’s Virgin Galactic is reported to have more than 600 ticket reservations already - priced at $250,000.
It expects to begin a full commercial service in 2022 – and eventually hopes to slash the ticket price to around $40,000.
Bezos’ Blue Origin is planning to charge passengers between $200,000 and $300,000 for the ride, company insiders told Reuters in 2018.
Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than the cost of the auctioned spare seat on the first Blue Origin flight.
That went for $28 million.
Musk's SpaceX has already taken a crew to the International Space Station, and is due to send an all-civilian crew into orbit in September.
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is due to fly around the moon with in SpaceX’s forthcoming Starship rocket in 2023.
Design Virgin Galactic’s reusable SpaceShip Two system will see its VSS Unity spaceplane lifted to altitude by a large carrier aircraft called VMS Eve before separating.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket-and-capsule combo shoots into suborbital space before separating.
The rocket section returns to the launchpad with the pressurized capsule faling back to earth under parachutes.
It features six observation windows - the largest ever used in space.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule sits atop a reusable Falcon rocket to reach space but it comes with more modest porthole windows to watch the world go by.
Crew/passengers Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane can hold six passengers: two crew and four mission specialists.
Blue Origin’s autonomous craft can take six passengers and flies autonomously.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule is capable of carrying up to 7 people, but the flights planned so far have a crew of just four.
Flight times Virgin Galactic boasts a flight time of around 90 minutes from take-off to landing including several minutes of weightlessness.
Blue Origin’s capsule suborbital flight is around 10 minutes after separation.
Again, those on board experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see the curvature of the planet before returning to earth.
The Space-X missions are expected to last three to four days from launch to splashdown.
Funding Typical of Branson’s ventures, Virgin Galactic is publicly funded.
Its shares peaked at almost $60 following FAA approval in June 2021.
Blue Origin is privately owned, with Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos previously indicating he would sell around $1 billion in Amazon stock annually to fund the venture.
SpaceX is also privately owned and has raised billions in successive funding rounds.
These US Cities, Have the Highest Populations of, Millionaires.
According to a report by Henley & Partners,
the United States remains the top country in the
world for private wealth creation and accumulation.
Quartz reports that the U.S. accounts
for about 32% of global liquid investable
wealth, valued at approximately $67 trillion.
Here are some of the cities
with the largest populations of
millionaires, according to the report.
Austin, This Texas city had the biggest explosion
in millionaire growth in the U.S. over the past
ten years, reaching 32,700 by the end of 2023. .
Miami, This Florida city is home to
35,300 millionaires and 15 billionaires,
including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Boston, While having just eight billionaires,
the fewest of any other city on the list,
this New England city is home to , 42,900 millionaires.
Seattle, This Washington State city is the home of
some of the largest corporations in the U.S.,
including Amazon and Microsoft. It's also
home to 54,200 millionaires and 11 billionaires. .
Chicago, Approximately 120,500 millionaires
live in this Midwestern metropolis. .
Los Angeles, The second-most populous city in the U.S. has about, 212,100 millionaires and 43 billionaires.
San Francisco, The tech hub of the U.S. boasts the most
billionaires with a whopping 68, as well as
the second-most millionaires with 305,700. .
New York, The city with the most high
net worth individuals has about , 349,500 millionaires
and 60 billionaires
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Elon Musk's net worth dropped nearly $40 billion this year, now totaling $189 billion, placing him third behind Bernard Arnault and Jeff Bezos. Tesla's declining share price contributed to the decrease. Despite challenges with Twitter's rebranding as X, Musk announced plans for a smart TV app. His proactive approach reflects his ongoing efforts to diversify and expand his ventures.
#ElonMusk #Tesla #elonmusk #elonmuskinterview #elonmusknews #elonmuskanddisney #Twitter #X #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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SpaceX's Third Test of Its , Starship Succeeds Ahead, of Crewed Lunar Mission.
'The Independent' reports that SpaceX's third test of its
Starship has ended successfully, with the spacecraft
falling to Earth somewhere in the Indian ocean. .
The successful test follows two
failed tests which lasted only a few
moments before ultimately exploding.
The third test saw the Starship successfully launch,
separate from its booster, arrive in space, open its
payload door and then fly halfway around the Earth.
This means that the test successfully
accomplished all of the major tests
SpaceX had laid out prior to launch.
Starship is the largest and most
powerful rocket ever built, with
a towering height of 397 feet. .
CEO Elon Musk said prior to launch that the
company had made thousands of upgrades and
fixes to improve the chances of a successful test.
CEO Elon Musk said prior to launch that the
company had made thousands of upgrades and
fixes to improve the chances of a successful test.
The spacecraft launched from
the southern tip of Texas
near the Mexican border. .
The spacecraft launched from
the southern tip of Texas
near the Mexican border. .
The test flight outperformed previous
tests, reaching an altitude of 100
miles and nearing orbital speed.
'The Independent' reports that NASA is heavily invested in
the success of Starship, as the spacecraft plays an integral
role in the agency's plan to return astronauts to the moon.
The highly anticipated missions will
mark the first crewed missions to the
moon since last century's Apollo program.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Elon Musk , Loses Appeal of , 'Twitter Sitter' Provision .
On April 29, the Supreme Court denied billionaire
Elon Musk's challenge to the terms of a Securities
and Exchange Commission agreement. .
On April 29, the Supreme Court denied billionaire
Elon Musk's challenge to the terms of a Securities
and Exchange Commission agreement. .
NBC reports that the SEC requirement
would require a lawyer to review
the Tesla CEO's social media posts. .
In his appeal, Musk argued that the SEC's requirement,
which has been dubbed the 'Twitter sitter' provision,
unlawfully imposed conditions on his freedom to comment. .
In his appeal, Musk argued that the SEC's requirement,
which has been dubbed the 'Twitter sitter' provision,
unlawfully imposed conditions on his freedom to comment. .
The SEC requirement stems from Musk's tweets in 2018 that
claimed he was taking Tesla private, which shocked the
market and caused shares in the company to surge.
The SEC requirement stems from Musk's tweets in 2018 that
claimed he was taking Tesla private, which shocked the
market and caused shares in the company to surge.
The SEC deemed the tweets
"materially false and misleading,"
and in clear violation of securities laws.
At the time, Musk agreed to settle the issue
with the SEC, which included his signing off
on the so-called "Twitter sitter" provision.
NBC reports that Musk has since said
the restrictions are unconstitutional and that
he was coerced into signing the SEC agreement.
According to court papers, lawyers
representing Musk have accused the SEC
of waging an "ongoing campaign" against Musk.
Musk's legal team claim the provision , "restricts Mr. Musk’s speech even
when truthful and accurate.".
It extends to speech not
covered by the securities laws
and with no relation to the conduct
underlying the SEC’s civil action, Elon Musk legal team, via NBC.
In response, the SEC said in court papers
that Musk waived his right to appeal
when he signed off on the settlement.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Musk is viewed in China as a favourable contrast to the stern statements from US officials, particularly during the recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 00:50Published
Elon Musk found himself in the crosshairs of controversy once again as he clashed with Australian authorities over content censorship on his platform, X. The dispute stemmed from a court order instructing X to remove video posts depicting a violent incident involving an Assyrian bishop. Musk, known for his outspoken nature, accused Australian leaders of attempting to stifle internet freedom, drawing condemnation from lawmakers.
#ElonMusk #AnthonyAlbanese #ElonMuskVsAustralia #XStabbingPosts #PostCensorship #Australia #SenatorTargeted #XDispute #SydneyChurchStabbing #CensorshipBattle #GunLawsDebate #InternetFreedom #ContentRegulation #LegalChallenge
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Justin Bieber found comfort in his wife Hailey Bieber as they went on a romantic vacay in Hawaii this week ... mere days after concerning his fans with pics that.. TMZ.com
We're kicking off a new week with some major TMZ TV hot takes. So, be sure to settle in!!! First up, we have Harvey and Mike breaking down Justin Bieber's.. TMZ.com
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Happy Birthday,
Tan France!.
Tanweer Wasim Safdar
turns 41 years old today.
Here are five fun facts about
the fashion designer.
1. France was inspired
to pursue fashion by
his grandparents’
clothing factory.
2. He worked at Zara after college.
3. The designer founded his own clothing line
in 2011, Kingdom & State.
4. He loves Justin Bieber’s style.
5. He has his
own memoir,
‘Naturally Tan.’.
Happy Birthday,
Tan France!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:51Published
On April 8th, millions across North America beheld the extraordinary spectacle of a rare total solar eclipse. The transformation of a vibrant sunny day into a grayscale panorama reminiscent of scenes from a dystopian narrative captivated observers, etching a mesmerising memory that will endure for years. Meanwhile, NASA treated the world to captivating images offering a celestial perspective of the solar eclipse from outer space. On Monday, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) generously shared footage and images capturing the breathtaking total solar eclipse. The mesmerising video showcases the eclipse unfolding over the Earth's horizon, revealing a striking transformation where a portion of our planet appears engulfed in darkness during this celestial phenomenon.
#SolarEclipse #SpaceView #NASA #ISS #TotalSolarEclipse #EnchantingSight #Starlink #CelestialObservation #SpacePerspective #SolarEclipse2024
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On Saturday, a Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), overcoming a setback that had led to the last-minute abort of its previous launch two days prior. NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky, and Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus embarked on their journey from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan, marking a smooth and triumphant lift-off.
#RussianSoyuz #SpaceLaunch #AstronautsToISS #SpaceExploration #InternationalSpaceStation #SpaceMission #SoyuzLaunch #ISSExpedition #AstronautJourney #SpaceTravel #RocketLaunch #SpaceFlight #NASA #Roscosmos #SpaceGlitch #SpaceTechnology #OuterSpace #SpaceScience #CosmicJourney #SpaceAdventure
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Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Travis Kelce just landed his first TV job. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is set to host a spin-off of the Fox game show 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' for Amazon's Prime Video. The new show hosted by Kelce is titled 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?' It will see adult contestants answer elementary curriculum questions with the help of a classroom full of famous faces.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:24Published
It looks like there's a new 'Legally Blonde' TV show in the works…what like it's hard? Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine banner is teaming up with Amazon to develop a 'Legally Blonde' TV series. 'Gossip Girl' and 'The O.C.' grads Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are attached to write the TV offshoot.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:07Published
Amazon Is Getting Rid of , Just Walk Out Technology , at Its Fresh Grocery Stores.
The company's Just Walk Out
technology allows customers to
avoid standing in checkout lines.
It works by sending receipts to customers after they've left the store with their items.
While customers have said they enjoy the process, .
they wish they could view their receipts and savings while they are shopping, according
to Amazon spokesperson Carly Golden.
As a result, Amazon is revamping its
grocery chain to better serve customers.
The Just Walk Out technology will
be replaced by smart carts that provide spending data in real time, NPR reports. .
Most Fresh grocery stores are located in
Washington State, California, Illinois and Virginia. .
The retailer also operates Amazon Go
stores in addition to owning Whole Foods.
The retailer also operates Amazon Go
stores in addition to owning Whole Foods.
Amazon Go stores and smaller Fresh
stores in the U.K. will continue to use
Just Walk Out technology, NPR reports.
Last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that the company is still trying to figure out how to have
a greater impact on physical grocery stores.
This revamp, and "selectively" launching new Fresh locations, is part of that process, Golden said
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Southwest Flight From Denver , Loses Engine Cover.
On April 7, a Boeing 737-800 plane in use by Southwest Airlines lost an engine cover which hit the wing flap, the Federal Aviation Administration said. .
According to air traffic control audio, a pilot said
that "several passengers and flight attendants
heard something loud hit the wing.".
After determining the issue,
the plane safely returned to Denver,
and Southwest issued an apology. .
We apologize for the inconvenience
of their delay but place our highest
priority on ultimate Safety for our
Customers and Employees, Southwest Airlines, via statement.
There were no reports of injuries. .
According to FAA records, the plane was last certified to be airworthy in May of 2015.
The agency will investigate the incident. .
Boeing refused to comment and instead pointed to Southwest for details "about
plane and fleet operations," CNN reports. .
The incident is just the latest in a
series of mechanical issues Boeing has
experienced over the last several months.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Another Mid-Flight , Boeing Incident Occurs, Amid Increased Scrutiny.
On March 4, a United Airlines Boeing 737
flight was forced to make an emergency
landing after bursting into flames mid-air. .
'The Independent' reports that the
plane's engine exploded shortly after
taking off from Fort Meyers, Florida. .
The Houston-bound flight was forced
to make an emergency landing
just moments after taking off. .
No injuries were
linked to the incident.
According to United Airlines, , "the flight landed safely, and the
passengers deplaned normally.".
The airline added that it, "arranged for a new aircraft to take
our customers to their destination.".
'The Independent' reports that the cause
of the accident is currently under investigation
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). .
In January, Boeing came under increased
scrutiny after a door panel on a 737 Max 9
blew off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.
In January, Boeing came under increased
scrutiny after a door panel on a 737 Max 9
blew off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.
Following the incident, in which several passengers were injured,
all Boeing 737 Max 9s were grounded, and investigations were
opened by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Boeing must commit to real and
profound improvements. Making
foundational change will require
a sustained effort from Boeing’s
leadership, and we are going
to hold them accountable
every step of the way, Mike Whitaker, FAA administrator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Jeff Bezos, the world's richest man, soared about 66.5 miles (107 km) above the Texas desert aboard his company Blue Origin's New Shepard launch vehicle on Tuesday and returned safely to Earth. This..
Jeff Bezos, the world's richest man, soared about 66.5 miles (107 km) above the Texas desert aboard his company Blue Origin's New Shepard launch vehicle on Tuesday and returned safely to Earth. This..