Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 30 2010, 12:30 PM BSTNo. I didn't even like flying to Edinburgh, so Space can f**k off.
Prezunctly.
I was at a talk with some scientists and filmmakers, and one was working with astronauts on a project/ride/experience which will recreate the profound moment when an astronaut sees Earth from space for the first time. So possibly one day soon we'll be able to do the best bit here on Earth, without risking our lives.
I'll wait for that, thanks. 
Quote: Nogget @ August 30 2010, 12:34 PM BSTSure there are safety issues, but that doesn't mean travelling in one is like "strapping yourself to a firework that weighs 4 million pounds, pointing it skyward and lighting the fuse".
Yes it is. It's exactly like that.
Some quotes from Leroy Chiao, a Shuttle astronaut.
"I was keyed up. After all, we were sitting on top of a bomb, being accelerated to orbital velocity of 17,500 mph in less than nine minutes."
"First stage on the Space Shuttle is shaky. You can't really read the instruments and screens very well. At T-Zero it feels like someone kicks the back of your seat really hard, the Shuttle seems to leap off of the pad. You hear the wind noise build into a high-pitched whine."
"During the last few minutes of launch, the vehicle accelerates to orbital velocity. You are under three Gs of loading, so it feels like a small gorilla is sitting on your chest."
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 30 2010, 12:55 PM BSTYes it is. It's exactly like that.
It's exactly unlike that, in that whereas there is a small chance that a spaceship will explode, there is a small chance that a lit firework will fail to explode.
Anyway it's all academic, since we all know that Branson's spaceships won't be rockets, they'll be giant balloons powered by his massive ego.
Yes, I'd like to do it. Went in a plane for the first time last year (yeah, I know) and f**king loved it. Everything was awesome. So I'm guessing it'll be like going in a plane x10.
Yes, I'd go into space. Don't like the sound of all this G-force though.
I had to do some in flight testing for my degree. Pulling a 2G turn feels bloody weird, so God knows what 5 or 6G would be like.
Oh my GOD GFORCE. That was great!
What was your degree in, Bigfella?
Aeronautical Engineering.
And I hate flying...
Did you ever go into aeronautical engineering? Sounds complicated.
Quote: bigfella @ August 30 2010, 4:13 PM BSTAeronautical Engineering.
And I hate flying...
I think my friend did that. He's training to be a pilot now.
I didn't. I was in centrifugal pumps for about four years. They turn round a lot, which was very similar to a gas turbine engine ( jet engine)
I used to like it when they'd get the centrifuge out at school.
Circular Motion.
Maths for big boys.
Quote: bigfella @ August 30 2010, 4:17 PM BSTI was in centrifugal pumps for about four years.
*resists fart joke*
Quote: bigfella @ August 30 2010, 4:17 PM BSTvery similar to a gas turbine
*resists again*