London to anywhere in two hours

Posted 04/10/2011

A Formula One tycoon is linking up with KLM to develop a spacecraft which could reach every city on Earth within two hours travel.

The tickets for their first sub-orbital flights, expected in 2014, are priced at £60,000 but their ambition is to start commercial space travel with the first scheduled flights in 15-20 years, reports The Sunday Times.

Sir Richard Branson has already announced his intention to become the first private space tourism operator, with seats costing £130,000 each.

Michiel Mol, a Dutchman who co-owns the Force India F1 team and made his fortune in computer software, said: “Being able to travel from London to Sydney in an hour and 45 minutes, that is the future.

“It is also the reason why KLM joined our firm Space Expedition Curacao as a partner.”

KLM supports the innovative project according to chief executive, Peter Hartman.
“The programme’s aim is to make space flights – the future of travel – accessible in a responsible and sustainable way by developing and promoting new technologies.”

By Diane Evans

Originally published 4 Oct 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/1901b1b0/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11496130Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm