Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company owned by billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, has announced the start of operations at the world’s first commercial spaceport, giving select visitors a first look at the facility.
In a statement, the company said the first ever purpose-designed spaceport, located in New Mexico in the United States, was “operationally functional and able to support Virgin Galactic’s flight requirements”. The company added it would be transferring all of its spaceflight operations to the facility on Thursday.
Virgin Galactic said in a statement that the company had “striven to remain faithful to that tradition by choosing an elegant, experience-focused concept for the space launch system itself”.
"It was also specifically designed to enable Virgin Galactic to create an unparalleled experience as its customers prepare for journeys of a lifetime before graduating as astronauts," it added.
The custom space flight headquarters includes a mission control as well as a preparation area for pilots and a lounge got passengers, friends and family. Two giant sliding doors hide enough space in the Spaceport America hangar to hold two of Virgin’s carrier planes and a fleet of rockets, capable of carrying six passengers each.
The opening of the spaceport comes following years 15 years of work. According to the Associated Press, the plan for the Virgin Galactic headquarters was first proposed by Mr Branson and former Democrat governor for New Mexico Bill Richardson.
However, delays and cost overruns mired construction. At the same time obstacles to Virgin Galactic’s spaceship development, including the crash of an experimental craft in 2014 that killed a test pilot, also hampered the project.
Commercial flights will not start at the spaceport until test flights are complete. Roughly 600 individuals have reserved seats on the first flights on board Virgin’s space flights. Tickets for journey on the winged rocket ships to the boundary of space cost $250,000 (Dh 918,245).
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
