Who is Vela Technology Development? Incredible Adventures is taking reservations for flights aboard
the Space Cruiser. Vela Technology Development is the company responsible for building and operating the vehicles. The Vela
team consists of former NASA, Air Force and aerospace industry experts.
Can you tell me something about the technology being used?
Vela
has taken existing engine, rocket, airframe and cabin technology and made modifications to accommodate passengers instead
of payloads. In many ways, the Space Cruiser duplicates the X-15, which was the first US inhabited vehicle to ascend into
space.
| This time everyone gets to go! |
What sort of engines will it have?
The Space Cruiser will
have two kinds of propulsion systems. A pressure-fed, liquid-fueled rocket engine will be used for the climb into space and
commercial turbo jet engines will be used for the return from space. For "rocket fuel" we will use a nitrous oxide and propane
combination. This combination meets several criteria: it produces ecologically benign exhaust, is safe for passengers and
ground crew, is readily available and adapts well to pressure-fed engines.
What will the Space Cruiser be made of?
To provide a strong,
lightweight structure, the Space Cruiser will be made of carbon fiber composite material. Because of the design, there is
no need for exotic design materials.
Who will pilot the Space Cruiser?
Pilots will receive extensive
training at the National Test Pilot's School. Their training will include classroom, simulator and flight testing. There will
be two pilots. One will serve as a back-up pilot and act as an expedition leader during the flight, dispensing information
about what is being experienced.
Will there be turbulence?
There may be some sort of turbulence
at certain points in the flight, but it will be no more than that experienced on a commercial airline flight. The occurrence
of turbulence will be a function of weather patterns.
What are the chances I will get sick?
The feeling of freefall
may make some uncomfortable and queasy. People with "weak stomachs" (those bothered by a roller coaster ride) will need to
take precautions prior to the flight. As part of your pre-flight training, you will learn the reasons for space sickness and
how you can best avoid it.
Do I wear a flight suit? If so, can I keep it?
All participants
will receive two personalized flight suits at the orientation briefing. The suits will be worn during pre-flight training
as well as during the actual flight. These are yours to keep as mementos of your Incredible Adventure. You will be issued
specially-designed headgear for use during the flight.
Why can't a regular airplane take you to 100 km?
Regular
airplanes rely on air-breathing engines. The higher an aircraft flies, the less oxygen there is available to power the engines
properly. Therefore, in order to "boost" an aircraft out of the Earth's atmosphere, rocket-propulsion is required.
