Topic: Space Tourism Firm Signs First Orbital Passenger

[Nemesis]

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The rocket-building firm Interorbital Systems (IOS) announced the sale of its first orbital space tourism ticket Friday, adding that initial test launches could occur in the next 10 months.

Midwestern businessman Tim Reed, of Gladstone, Missouri, purchased the first ticket for a seven-day trip aboard IOS’ Neptune Spaceliner – which is slated to make its first manned launch in 2008 – for about $250,000 under a promotional fare, IOS officials said. The anticipated full price for their orbital service is currently set at $2 million, they added.

As part of his special promotional price he will get the money back later (if the company survives that long of course)

Link to Interorbital system web page

Ultimately, IOS plans to use its low-cost orbital launch vehicles to open up Earth orbit and the Moon for commercial and industrial development. This is expected to result in the creation of a new orbital and Lunar industrial zone, and the emergence of new space industries.

IOS is currently developing two orbital launch vehicles, each utilizing the unique Stage-And-A-Half-To-Orbit (SAAHTO) configuration. They are designated the Sea Star SAAHTO and the Neptune SAAHTO. The manned Neptune SAAHTO will be used in Interorbital Systems' orbital tourism operations.

Some more miscellaneous info on private space flight.  Private Spaceflight: Shifting into Fast Forward

“We’re in the business of selling incredible views,” said Brian Feeney, team leader of the Toronto, Canada-based Golden Palace.com Space Program, powered by the da Vinci Project.