LGW To SPAce

The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), has developed a more tourist-friendly space jet, as an option to hitchhiking on a Russian Space Agency mission – and for a lot less money. Showcasing a model in Paris, the jet is scheduled to be fully operational by the year 2012.

Tickets are expected to cost $199,000 to $265,000, said the company, which displayed a full-scale model in Paris.
The space jet would take off from regular airports using conventional jet engines. Upon reaching an altitude of about 71/2 miles, the pilot would ignite the rocket engines, sending the craft to an altitude of 37 miles in 80 seconds.

Photos of the jet here.

More at HeraldNet.