concept
the spaceport is the bridge between everything we know as humans and the indefinite. much like outer space, the desert also has an unsettling feeling about it. it is sweltering, the ground is so dry it is cracked, and it is dangerous, yet to many plants and animals this is home. the cactus is one of those plants. the cactus is powerful, bold, and harsh yet produces a fragile and elegant flower.
spaceships are very similar to the cactus in that they are impressive machines that take humans into the unknown. they are piercing, tough, and daunting yet they are one of the most beautiful and delicate-looking structures. through the design and use of materials my project will incorporate a mixture of strength and delicacy much like the cactus.
history of virgin galactic
plans to build the first commercial spacecraft first surfaced in 2004 when Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan entered the Ansari X Prize. the Ansari X Prize offered $10 million dollars to the first registered team that could:
plans to build the first commercial spacecraft first surfaced in 2004 when Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan entered the Ansari X Prize. the Ansari X Prize offered $10 million dollars to the first registered team that could:
• build a spaceship able to carry three adults (height up to 6 feet, 2 inches, and weight up to 198 pounds each).
• launch the spaceship with three soon-to-be astronauts to a height of 62.5 miles, the internationally recognized altitude at which suborbital space begins.
• return the spaceship to Earth safely -- no broken bones on the astronaut, no severe damage to the ship, etc.
• repeat the flight within two weeks using the same ship, having replaced no more than 10 percent of the ship's parts (with the exception of fuel), thus classifying the spacecraft as a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
they won the $10 million prize with SpaceShipOne. from there Virgin Galactic took off, perfecting the spacecrafts as needed. now that they have it down to a science, Virgin has purchased five SpaceShipTwos and two WhiteKnightTwos. in december of 2005, Virgin Galactic had 100 customers signed up. in 2008 they had more than $31 million in deposits from the paying public.
Conceptual Model
the mojave desert also has large, flat open spaces with some mountainous terrain. the location is near several large highways and is not too far from las vegas, nevada. it is also fairly close to area 51, which is very appropriate for this project considering it is one of the most well known sites for alien activity.
the mojave desert also has large, flat open spaces with some mountainous terrain. the location is near several large highways and is not too far from las vegas, nevada. it is also fairly close to area 51, which is very appropriate for this project considering it is one of the most well known sites for alien activity.
Site Plan
the desired location for the proposed study needs to be in an isolated area to ensure security and privacy. this would also allow for future expansion as the company and clientele grows. the mojave desert is significant to virgin galactic because this is the site of the first flight tests of the whiteknighttwo spacecraft, which was described as an aviation milestone.
the desired location for the proposed study needs to be in an isolated area to ensure security and privacy. this would also allow for future expansion as the company and clientele grows. the mojave desert is significant to virgin galactic because this is the site of the first flight tests of the whiteknighttwo spacecraft, which was described as an aviation milestone.
Basement Level 3
Training Facility
Training Facility
Training Facility Perspective
Basement Level 2
Employee Lodging and VIP Observation
Employee Lodging and VIP Observation
Basement Level 1
"History of Aviation" Museum
"History of Aviation" Museum
Museum Perspective
First Floor
Main Lobby
Main Lobby
Lobby Perspective
Floors 2, 4, 6
Guest Rooms
Guest Rooms
Floors 3 & 5
Guest Rooms
Guest Rooms
Guest Room Perspective
