Today a total of 500 people have bought tickets for the just over 3 hours journey offering about 5 minutes of weightlessness in space for £127,000 each, taking off from a bespoke spaceport in the New Mexico desert. The United States may be the home for Sir Richard Branson's space tourism venture Virgin Galactic, however, virgin is he already looking for a European base?

These short flights will be just the beginning of a brand new industry. They will provide the first income with the goal in the long-term in satellite launching. This is where Scotland comes in. In its two Moray airbases of Lossiemouth and Kinloss, it has top-quality operational resources ideally placed for the new industry, whether for scenery from space or for polar orbit satellite launch.

While being a primarily an American venture, there are rumours that Virgin Galactic is already looking to expand its reach and the UK wants the place of expansion to be in Scotland.

The Department for Business says that the UK is keen to attract commercial operations to the country and that Scotland remains a potential base for space tourism in the

If Britain is to capture 10pc of the £400bn global space industry by 2030 – The UK's £300m of Government funding is dwarfed by France’s $2bn (£1.25bn) and is postively microscopic compared to America’s $35.6bn. Unlike most other sections of the economy, however, space is an expanding industry – growing at 10.2pc a year. Britain hopes that by 2030 it will employ 100,000 people. The only hope UK has in getting there is a joint European effort to be able to compete with America's huge funding.

“There is a growing realisation about the inspirational value of space - and its overwhelming impact on the progress of science and technology in new generations and in education.” Willetts in the Daily Telegraph Article describes the “Apollo effect” which inspired a generation of Americans to get into science and drive technological advancement.

“You can fill up stadiums full of children and teenagers by bringing in one astronaut - it is quite incredible.

Science minister David Willetts also wants Virgin Galactic to launch in Europe and former Virgin Galactic president Will Whitehorn saying that space tourism flights could take off from Scotland - at one point said to be as early as in 2013 - all looked well for the Scottish Highlands to reach for the stars.

See the BBC.co.uk for the full story

Virgin Galactic Spaceship First Flight VSS Enterprise Captive Carry Flight Test

Virgin Galactic Space Travel is the world's first spaceline. Giving you the groundbreaking opportunity to become one of the first ever non-professional astronauts. Virgin Galactic will own and operate its privately built spaceships, modelled on the remarkable, history-making SpaceShipOne. Virgin's vast experience in aviation, adventure, luxury travel and cutting-edge design combined with the unique technology developed by Burt Rutan will ensure an unforgettable experience unlike any other available to mankind.

Book your place in space now and join around 250 Virgin Galactic astronauts who will venture into space.

Tickets cost $200,000 and deposits start from $20,000. If you are interested in discussing your reservation, please contact Exclusive Lifestyle for further information.

Enquire Now: http://www.exclusivelifestyle.co.uk

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