Buran as tourist vehicle, some thoughts

a weekend is a bit much I think...Better a day, 24 hours, start to finish.
Solves many of the problems you may later come up with.

A prudent series of meals to flush-out the system prior to launch will help
minimize bathroom needs. No one is gonna starve if they miss a few meals of
solid food replaced instead with liquid "shakes" . Simplifies food
preparation on the "mission" as well.

Also solves sleeping accommodations since folks will probably want to stay
awake as long as possible with only a few cat naps. A portion of the cabin
could be converted to fold down pullman style quarters and a rotation of
2-hours in the berth (a few big enough for two people and a little 'extra"
for couples ) . This would only require 5-at most for a 50-pax group.

As far as entertainment...by cutting down to a day you also eliminate the
"what to do" part of the trip. Yes, Space is mezmerizing and seeing the
great blue orb passing below you is awe inspiring,,,for a while. But after a
few hours of swirling clouds, glistening oceans and earth formations and of
course the required viewing of your "house" from space (carry over of the
old airplane rides at the fair) you may very well get your fill.

Next of course is the required drinking a globule of coke /pepsi/ 7Up
(depending on sponsorship payment :-) floating in mid-air, creating mini
constellations of floating M&M's, Reeses Pieces (again sponsorship money) or
Godiva chocolates.

Afew mid air summersaults, barrel rolls, and peter pan poses soaring across
the cubical and perhaps a picture or two of you having a bad hair day, what
else do you do? We could invent some "science experiments" to make the
jaunt to space at least look like its scientific and important to humanity,
with an appropriate certificate, suitable for framing. Tie in publicity with
grade school kids around the world to come up with experiment ideas to keep
the public somewhat involved (oh my, Suzy's/ Scotties science experiment got
chosen,,,we must tell all the neighbors and family).

Seriously, what would you do after the 10th sunrise in space? The brag
factor is being in Space, doing the required touristy things. You cant
really brag about a high altitude flight... the concorde getsyou almost blue
black skys, not all that special. Ok ok a little earth curviture too :-)

The shorter flight also eliminates the over tired from lack of sleep (cosmic
rays flashing on your eyes even when your lids are closed) .
A 24 hour flight just simplifies everything. Airliners have shown people are
willing to be relatively delegated to a small space in a 'crowded" cylinder.
Instead of the movie, you have the viewports. Instead of meal trays you get
peanut butter in a squeeze tube :-) What can be simpler?!

Oh yeah! Also get a sponsorship from Depends /Confidence :-) Hows that for
plumbing solution ? Was good enough for John Glen....

Dont forgetthe side merchandising...the T-Shirt (my "fanatic"son went to
Space and all I got was this T-Shirt) ....reinvent a breakfast
drink...energy bar, M&M's, special "surplus Space flight" items.

As far as training, not really much needed. In my eyes the months of
training before hand is just to help justify the $20 million. The G's
pulled in launch are not overwhelming for average person. Its not like the
pax are going to be doing anything integral to the Space flight? If there is
a glitch are they gonna repair the plasma relays, energy conduits or other
neat Star Trek/Star Wars vernacular?

What training do you need to bend over and kiss your butt if something goes
wrong? :-)

KISS.

As far as a flight attendant, have a poll, and the person with the most SCI
FI TV show / movie / book experience is voted to handle the pax. At last
they get something for all the hours they invested. Official SPace Vehicle
Monitor. :-)

A flight per month is probably the best we can hope for as far as refitting
the orbitor. Thats 12 per year at 50 pax or 600 candidates. I think the
market is big enough to keep people in the pipeline for a long time. The
average Trekkie convention would supply enough candidates easily. I dont
think thats a problem. I'm sure a regular Reality Show may sponsor one or
two folks per flight as prize for doing stupid things on video. As it
becomes closer to happening I'm sure many more opportunities will present
themselves. Just like a trip to hawaii has become a stand by gift that
still pulls interest, a flight to orbit the Big Blue Orb will stay popular.

From: "Al Globus"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 12:06 PM
Subject: [spacesettlers] Buran as tourist vehicle, some thoughts