Space Hotels

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33579859/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

this is sort of neat. it also spells a possible end for nasa if it can be pulled off. basically the story is about several companies that are gearing up to provide the ultimate getaway, all the way to space. While i sorta personally doubt that some of the current timelines these companies are suggesting are practical, i do think that private enterprise would be good for space.

well, maybe not good for space per sey, but it would be good for man's entrance into space.

private enterprise, with the goal of personal profit is probably the best tool that can be used to drive down the cost of doing anything. What im saying is, if there's a way to produce a profit, now that the government has shown it can be done, its time for someone else to find ways to do it cheaper. if the cost of moving matter to space can be lowered enough, there's unlimited good that can be done with it. Im not talking about space hotels, although thats the start.

im talking about medical advances, industrial applications, resource exploitation... you know, science fiction stuff.

and the fact of the matter is, space hotels give companies a relatively affordable way to conduct tests of their own in space, to determine if investing in space is likely to pay off. While im sure these hotels are going to get their fair share of rich thrill seekers, im also quite certain that many companies are going to use these hotels as an opportunity to get their space booties wet.