The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees Celsius.
Eleven trains were delayed as visibility dropped due to fog in Delhi on Friday morning and the minimum temperature settled at 7.1 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year.
At 5.30 am, visibility at Palam and Safdarjung was zero and 400 metres respectively. The visibility was 50 and 400 metres at Palam and Safdarjung respectively at 8.30 am.
According to a Railways spokesperson, 11 trains were delayed due to fog and the average delay was two to three hours.
Purushottam Puri-New Delhi, Malda-Anand Vihar Express and Farakka Express Malda-Delhi were some of the trains that were delayed, he said.
However, operations were not affected at the Delhi airport.
Currently, the Lowest Runway Visual Range (RVR) is reported to be 175 metres, which does permit landings and even take-offs, a source said.
The humidity level on Friday was recorded was recorded at 100 per cent.
The weatherman has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of haze or smoke. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 21 degrees Celsius.
According to a meteorological department official, there might be light rains towards Saturday evening and the temperature is likely to fall on Sunday.
There might be rains over a span of the next couple of days, he said.
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No money to travel? Find places to stay for next to nothing
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Credit card rewards can be your ticket — literally your plane ticket — to a dream destination. But even if you’ve earned what you need to get to where you’re going, the accommodations could be a different story. What do you do if you don’t have enough points or miles left for lodging? You can slash those costs, too, if you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone. That might mean couch surfing with locals, agreeing to a home exchange or signing up for house sitting. Websites and apps can help you connect with frugal options domestically and abroad. You may be able to stay for free, or nearly free, if you’re flexible with dates and can abide by house rules.
Credit card rewards can be your ticket — literally your plane ticket — to a dream destination. But even if you’ve earned what you need to get to where you’re going, the accommodations could be a different story.
What do you do if you don’t have enough points or miles left for lodging?
You can slash those costs, too, if you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone. That might mean couch surfing with locals, agreeing to a home exchange or signing up for house sitting. Websites and apps can help you connect with frugal options domestically and abroad. You may be able to stay for free, or nearly free, if you’re flexible with dates and can abide by house rules.
COUCH SURFING
This option works for solo travelers or couples looking to make new friends over a few nights. Since you’re staying in someone’s home, you’ll likely need to “check in and out” at reasonable hours and clean up after yourself .
For Alexander Salas, who runs the YouTube channel Alex Travelbum, giving up some freedom is worth it. He uses the app from Couchsurfing.com, which has allowed him to sleep in 15 countries for free. His trip to Naples, Italy, was the most memorable, he says.
“I stayed with this woman who was just the most generous, nice person in the world, and we’re still friends till this day,” Salas says. “She made me all of this authentic Italian food and took me around town.”
HOME EXCHANGES
This option offers more privacy since you’ll swap your home temporarily with someone else.
Melissa Conn, blogger at The Family Voyage , uses the GuestTo Guest website. This service charges about $11 a night or around $147 annually (and you’ll have to pay a damage deposit). The host may also include additional charges or requests.
“Some hosts charge a cash cleaning fee,” Conn says. Other places, “they’ll just leave a list of the five things that they want you to do before leaving. And then some people just say, ‘Leave it tidy.'”
You can offset the costs of such services by cooking in the kitchen to save money on meals. Some homeowners even let you borrow their car, Conn says.
HOUSE SITTING
If you don’t mind pets or a few chores while you travel, you can see the world for less.
Nik and Angel Rowell, YouTubers at Roadtrip with Nik, have traveled to Costa Rica and several U.S. states, among other destinations. They frequently use Trustedhousesitters.com, which also has an app and charges $119 for an annual membership.
They suggest considering the responsibilities of each house sit beforehand and how it might affect your stay.
“If you have a week long house sit in Hawaii that included caring for a dog that needed to go out in the morning, afternoon and evening, you wouldn’t be able to go explore the island all day long,” Nik Rowell says.
Wherever you stay, communicate with the host to match your expectations to the experience. If you need a kitchen or Wi-Fi, for example, ask whether you’ll have access.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
If you’re staying with strangers, screen them first. Some subscription services have a verification process, but it’s not always as robust as a traveler might like.
Amanda Kelly, solo traveler and content creator at Amanda Round The Globe, generally seeks female hosts when she couch surfs. During a trip to Belgium, she says, she was deceived by a man pretending to be a female host.
“After that experience, I did take a lot more precautions by checking the reviews a lot more,” she says.
Other best practices:
– Look for hosts who have several positive references, photos and detailed descriptions.
– See how your host behaves on social media.
– Set up a video meet-and-greet.
– Make sure you’re on the same page with house rules and expectations of privacy.
– Tell a family member or friend where you’re staying.
– Have a plan B in case the accommodations aren’t a good fit.
If that sounds like too much hassle — or if you’re just not interested in a stranger’s couch, house or chores — consider ways to save on more traditional accommodations.
Join a hotel loyalty program, for example, or consider applying for a hotel credit card . The right one can earn you rewards toward future stays, and many cards even offer a free anniversary night, usually in exchange for an annual fee.
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A reveller takes part in the festival of Els Enfarinats, in the town of Ibi near Alicante, Spain. For about 200-years the inhabitants of Ibi annually celebrate with a battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers, outside the city town hall. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)Revellers take part in the festival of Els Enfarinats. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)For about 200-years the inhabitants of Ibi annually celebrate with a battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers, outside the city town hall. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)Revellers burst firecrackers as part of the festival. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)Revellers play with flour as part of the festival .(AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)Revellers through flour at each other as part of the festival. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)Revellers throw eggs at each other as part of the festival of Els Enfarinats.(AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Norwegian Cruise Line–Jewel redefines the Southeast Asia sea voyage with lavishly outfitted suites, fine dine restaurants and rarely visited ports-of-call
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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There has been a 29% jump in the number of Indians opting for cruise holidays.
From the balcony of my cabin on-board Norwegian Cruise Line–Jewel, the Andaman Sea looks a brilliant blue-green. But that is expected when you are somewhere in the middle of the ocean with trade ships and old fishing vessels for company, cruising through a landscape interspersed by gentle hills or, nearer to a city port, surfers and sailing enthusiasts. This silence is broken by a gaggle of seagulls or the rare sight of an Asian dolphin slicing through the milky green waters.
Wooing Indian Travellers
NCL is focusing on Indians as a huge potential market. By all reports, more Indians are cruising. Here are some statistics: In 2018, according to Cruise Lines International Association report, 4 million Asian passengers took an ocean cruise—a record high for the industry and up about 20 percent compared to 2017. There has been a 29 per cent increase in the number of Indians cruising Asia.
NCL is selling the Southeast Asia journey to Indians, especially since the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) launched its opulent Jewel in November 2018.
The Fully-loaded NCL-Jewel
Some travellers cruise for exotic destinations. Others go to the sea for the thrill of the voyage. Many, to have fun on-board, because, really, a cruise liner is like a fully-loaded luxury hotel.
NCL just completed the bow-to-stern refurbishment of Jewel as part its $400 million ‘The Norwegian Edge’ initiative. The ship emerged from a two-week dry dock with redesigned cabins, refreshed venues and new entertainment.
The upgraded 1,188 cabins are outfitted with plush carpets, artworks and wood furniture. Almost all have balconies to enjoy the unbeatable view. The luxurious Haven suites measure nearly 1,200sq. ft, and feature an enviable 567sq.ft balcony, living and dining rooms, and access to a private courtyard area where parties are hosted by the captain. Guests of Haven also have access to a personal concierge. Rodney Irodistan has an answer to everything, from help with those restaurant reservations to booking on-land tours and helping with little things that need looking after.
NCL-Jewel is not discreet luxury. In fact, it is exactly what Indians love. Over-the-top décor, large chandeliers in public areas, loads of cabaret/ modern circus/concert-style entertainment, a wide variety of culinary options and fancy fine dine restaurants, lavish buffets and some great shopping at unbeatable prices, not to mention the deals you can land and the wins in raffle draws.
Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line Cirque BijouThe Great Outdoors Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line
What is there to not like?
The big drawbacks: noisy evenings if you are looking for a quiet rendezvous with the sea, a crowded swimming pool, and long queues at ports-of-call to get out and explore the destination. And some seriously average buffet options with indifferent vegetarian fare that may prove to be a little problematic for some Indians. But if you pay extra, you can eat in a fancy restaurants on-board.
And there are several bar and dining options. Besides The Pit Stop and a more relaxed Bliss Ultra Lounge, travellers can savour their tipple in the Sky High Bar—an all-American bar retrofitted with vintage license plates, gas station signage and other classic car elements, or O’Sheeshan’s Bar that serves up a spot of live music and some interesting world cuisine. Tsar’s Palace, studded with faux Faberge egg balustrades, is inspired by the grandeur of the palaces of St. Petersburg. Chin Chin is a pan-Asian eatery that lists a separate sushi and sashimi bar, and a space with oven tops for a Shabu Shabu—a Japanese-style gourmet experience in which meat is cooked in a noodle pot in front of diners.
Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line
For upscale French dining, guests head to Le Bistro, popular for duck breast, escargot and a selection of seafood puff pastry with lobster, shrimp and scallops. Located in a quiet corner of Deck 13 is the American steakhouse, Cagney’s that serves filet mignon, rib-eye and New York strip. La Cucina is an Italian restaurant with traditional favorites such as fried calamari, chicken parmesan, shrimp risotto, and spaghetti and meatballs or spaghetti carbonara, while Moderno Churrascaria is a slice of an authentic Brazilian steakhouse which serves skewered meats.
NCL pioneered the concept of ‘freestyle cruising’ that offers guests the option of eating in any one of several restaurants, only some of which attract a premium for extra service and broader variety of food.
Sailing into the heart of Southeast Asia
NCL-Jewel begins its journey in Singapore and cruises through Phuket, before arriving in Langakawi—the pristine rainforest and mountains-covered archipelago of 99 islands. It then sails into the Strait of Malacca to make stops at the rarely visited Penang (at least by Indians) and the big city of Kuala Lumpur.
While guests are free to explore the destinations on their own, the cruise liner also draws up interesting itineraries. At Phuket, the Spectacular Phang Nga Bay tour eschews the regular beach stop; we head out to Phang Nga National Park, a ravishing landscape of gravity-defying limestone formations. The unique karst formations are the result of a massive collision between the Indian subcontinent and mainland Asia, 300 million years ago. The cruise meanders through mangroves and ancient grottoes. Options include a ramble through old China Town and Wat Chalong, a temple complex built in 1837 with several ancient Buddhist relics.
In Penang, we ride a tram up to the Penang Hill for a view of George Town and the shimmering Malacca Strait. On the hills stands the Kek Lok Si Temple, which is built in tiers and cascades down the slope. But the best view is of the enormous seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Singapore is often described as a blend of the old and the new; Penang offers much the same, without its posh sterility. It is grittier, has massive amounts of modern street art and also the colonial-era heritage George Town. The colonialist traders that put Penang on the map in the 1700s did more than just build their mansions here. They left behind several ornate buildings and shophouses in the inner city of George Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where some of the Patels from Gujarat set up grocery stores and trading outposts, and where the Chinese established textile shops and banks. The mansions and stores have been painstakingly restored by young entrepreneurs who run boutique hotels, cafes and independent businesses.
The tropical island of Langkawi is a patina of ancient rainforests and mountains. Across the islands are rubber and coconut plantations, paddy fields and old homes. A cable car over the rainforest takes travellers up to a rice museum (where the evolution in the ways rice was grown and harvested over centuries, is carefully documented) and Mount Machinchang, which has sky walkways and view of the Strait.
This seven-day sea voyage into the heart of Southeast Asia is a curated blend of luxury, adventure and exploration.
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GoAir offers 50% discount on flight tickets for yachting enthusiasts attending Thailand Yacht Show
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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The offer can be availed by Yachting enthusiasts who register from India at the Thailand Yacht Show’s website.
Low-fair carrier GoAir has announced 50 percent discount on airfares for yachting enthusiasts planning to attend Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) 2019.
The offer can be availed by Yachting enthusiasts who register from India at the Thailand Yacht Show’s website, the airline said in a statement.
Recently, GoAir launched its direct flight to Phuket, Thailand, and became the first airline to do so. The airline currently offers daily flights to Phuket from Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru. It is also looking to expand connectivity to other cities in the country.
The company’s strategic collaboration with TYS 2019 will enable Indian travellers to witness a world class pleasure and luxury yachting experiences, said managing director Jeh Wadia.
“The level of interest from Indian travellers after we started direct flights from India to Phuket has been excellent. Phuket is an integral part of GoAir’s route network and this is in sync with the response of growing demand from leisure travellers to this destination,” said Wadia.
The Thailand Yacht Show will take place at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina from January 10 to 13.
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Mumbai-Lucknow IndiGo flight grounded after bomb threat alert
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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A passenger travelling to New Delhi on a GoAir flight, approached an IndiGo check-in counter and informed officials that there was a bomb on the airline’s flight 6E 3612, an airport source said.
An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Lucknow via Delhi was grounded after a woman passenger alerted the Mumbai Airport authorities of an alleged bomb threat on Saturda, official sources said.
The passenger, identified as Uma Narayan Kannadasan, 41, who was travelling to New Delhi on a GoAir flight G8-329, approached an IndiGo check-in counter and informed officials that there was a bomb on the airline’s flight 6E 3612, an airport source said.
She also provided photos of some people claiming they were behind planting the bomb and could be “a threat to the nation”.
The CISF immediately escorted her to the Airport Police Station and she was subjected to sustained questioning in the matter.
Meanwhile, the airport authorities declared the bomb threat as “specific” and a detailed search of all passengers was carried out.
However, the IndiGo claimed in a statement later that the woman passenger “was found to be in a mentally unsound state”.
Nevertheless, the airline said it had reported the matter to the authorities and implemented the normal security protocol and the flight departed after an hour’s delay, around 7 am.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
France’s LVMH to buy Belmond luxury hotel group for $3.2 billion
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Luxury goods maker LVMH has agreed to buy Belmond, for $3.2 billion.
Luxury goods maker LVMH has agreed to buy Belmond, the owner of hotels including Venice’s landmark Cipriani, for $3.2 billion including debt to increase its presence in upmarket hospitality.
LVMH, the firm behind fashion labels Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, already has hotels including the Cheval Blanc in the prestigious Courchevel ski resort in the French Alps, as well as Bvgalri hotels.
The Belmond deal will give it properties including the only hotel within the Machu Picchu citadel in southern Peru, Hotel Splendido in Portofino on the Italian riviera and the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, moving LVMH further into the fast-growing “experiential” high-end travel and hospitality sector.
The transaction follows a wave of deals in the luxury hotels sector, including AccorHotels’ purchase of FRHI Holdings, the parent of the Fairmont and Raffles hotels.
“While some investors may question the acquisition, which appears to lie outside LVMH group’s core operations, we believe it is consistent with its long-term strategy focused on offering the consumer a full spectrum of luxury experience,” Berenberg analysts said in a research note.
LVMH said it would pay $25 per Belmond share, a 40 percent premium to Thursday’s closing price.
The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2019, values Belmond’s equity at $2.6 billion, and the group, including debt, at $3.2 billion.
Belmond posted earnings of $140 million before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) on revenue of $572 million in the 12 months to Sept. 30.
At 1015 GMT, LVMH shares were down 1.6 percent at 251.65 euros in a weak European stock market.
RBC Capital Markets analysts said the price of the deal – at 5.6 times recent sales and 22.9 times recent EBITDA – looked “optically high”, but added: “Belmond owns a unique portfolio of trophy real estate assets, that will allow LVMH to increase its exposure to experiential luxury”.
Belmond owns, partly owns or manages 46 luxury hotels, restaurants and train and river-cruise properties located in exotic and distinctive destinations worldwide.
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
IndiGo launches four-day sale on fares for international flights, prices start at Rs 3,299
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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The offer, which will be valid for travel between December 27 and April 15, can be availed till Sunday.
Budget carrier IndiGo has launched a four day sale offer on fares for its international network. The offer, which will be valid for travel between December 27 and April 15, can be availed till Sunday.
According to a press release issued by the carrier, it will offer all-inclusive fares starting at Rs 3,299 for a limited number of seats on international flights. The offer can be availed for flight bookings made through all channels during the offer period.
As per the release, the offer will be valid only on non-stop flights on various sectors across IndiGo’s international network and cannot be clubbed with any other offer, scheme, or promotion.
While the fares have been significantly cut down in the scheme, it will not include other expenses including airport charges and government taxes. Further, the release said that the offer is not valid on IndiGo’s group bookings.
In addition, the offer is non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-encashable. Any changes in itinerary can be made by paying the applicable change fee and fare difference.
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From cultural and natural tourist attractions to shopping for traditional Chinese goods and trinkets, the city has a lot to offer to a traveller looking for variety.
Covered with blossoming flowers and lush vegetation and blessed with a salubrious climate throughout the year, the city of Kunming, the capital of the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, is a tourist’s delight.
Located at an elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level, Kunming is known as the City of Eternal Spring because of the pleasant climate it enjoys throughout the year — not too hot during summer and not too cold during winter. Average highs during the height of summer hover around 24-25 degrees Celsius while it is around 15-16 degrees Celsius in deep winter.
Nanpin Pedestrian Street in downtown Kunming.
As in any modern city, Kunming has its share of highrise buildings, but it still retains a quaintness that is charming.
From cultural and natural tourist attractions to shopping for traditional Chinese goods and trinkets, the city has a lot to offer to a traveller looking for variety.
To the north of the city is the 1,200-year-old Yuantong Temple, one of the grandest and most important Buddhist temples in Yunnan province. Built by King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom during the eighth century, the temple is located on a depression on the southern side of the Yuantong Park.
Built around the Yuantong Hall or the Mahavira Hall, the temple complex is surrounded by a pond where fish swim around. A stone bridge connects Mahavira Hall with the Yuantong Temple entrance.
The 1,200-year-old Yuantong Temple in Kunming.
Epitomising all three branches of Buddhism, the temple houses the statues of Sakyamuni, Amitabha and the Medicine Buddha, all dating to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) established by Kublai Khan, the grandson of Chengiz Khan.
There are a number of halls surrounding the temple where you will find people, sitting, chatting and praying, classes being held on Buddhist scriptures, a restaurant and a calligraphy studio among others.
Above all, what will strike you most is the serene environment in which the temple rests.
If you want to enjoy nature in all its glory, head towards the Dianchi Lake, a freshwater lake spread across nearly 300 sq km. Located 6,189 feet above sea level, it is the eighth largest lake in China and the largest in Yunnan province.
Over 20 rivers feed the crescent-shaped lake which has a shoreline of over 163 km and which is recognised as an ecoregion .
There are a number of attractions along the lake, including the Yunnan Nationalities Village, Grand View Park, White Fish Park, Haigeng Bank, Kwan-yin Hill, and the Western Hills Forest Reserve.
In winter, one gets to see migratory Siberian seagulls flying around which can be a photographer’s delight.
To get a bird’s eye view of Dianchi Lake and a panaromic view of Kunming, one needs to get to the top of the Western Hills.
Located 12 km west of Kunming city, the Western Hills also have the “Sleeping Beauty” moniker as, when viewed together from afar, the hills look like a young lady lying beside Dianchi Lake with her face looking up and hair falling into the water.
A protected area, blooming flowers and lush green forests mark the Western Hills. Scenic spots include a stone-carved edifice called Dragon Gate, Huating Temple, Taihua Temple and the Sanqing Pavilion which is a temple with Taoist influence.
To get to the top of the Western Hills, one has to take a cable car from the western gate of the Haigeng Park after getting off a bus plying from the foothills or the Western Hills subway station.
From the top one can get down by a series of steps running through some of the largest Taoist grottoes that were built during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912).
Time for shopping? Head for downtown Kunming, more specifically the Jinma Archway — around which the city was built. Near the archway is the Nanping Pedestrian Street, the most popular area of Kunming city. Around 700 metres long, the street is dotted with some public sculptures.
Around the street are a number of shops and emporiums selling traditional Chinese textiles, artifacts, items you can buy as souvenirs and quite a few restaurants where you can try authentic Chinese cuisine.
And yes, when buying anything, don’t forget to bargain. You will be amazed at how low the price can come down if you bargain hard.
Kunming is a four-hour flight away from Delhi and two-and-a-half hours from Kolkata.
A bit of advice. When travelling in China, language can be a major barrier, so it will be prudent to pre-book a translator who can accompany you during your interactions with local people.
(By Aroonim Bhuyan)
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Branson’s Virgin Galactic to be in space by December 25, says report
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Branson stated that Galactic is on the verge of a major achievement and will send astronauts into space by Christmas.
Billionare entreprenuer Richard Branson is “pretty confident” that his space tourism venture Virgin Galactic will send astronauts into space by Christmas, the media reported.
In an interview with CNN Business’ Rachel Crane on Friday, Branson stated that Galactic is on the verge of a major achievement and will send astronauts into space by Christmas.
Earlier in 2018, the company resumed powered test flights of the rebuilt SpaceShipTwo, named VSS Unity. A test in July sent the craft to a peak altitude of 32.3 miles. The goal is to send VSS Unity more than 50 miles above Earth, high enough to earn passengers astronaut wings from the US government, the report said.
“We have a brilliant group of astronauts who literally believe 100 per cent in the project, and give it their everything,” he said, adding “I’m reasonably confident that before Christmas, we will do so”.
Galactic’s rocket-powered plane SpaceShipTwo has been thoroughly tested on the ground and at lower altitudes, Branson said.
The first few flights to space — at 2,300 miles per hour, accelerating to top speed in about eight seconds — are expected to be “the dangerous ones”, Branson said.
If successful, Branson’s Galactic could be ahead of fellow entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Musk intends to launch the first crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) in December as well.
Both ventures are in fact in direct competition with Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, which plans to offer paying customers suborbital flights.
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin are in the race to develop reusable rockets and are part of NASA’s sub-orbital reusable launch vehicle flight contract.
Faced with such stiff competition, Branson says “safety’s all that matters if you’re putting people into space … So none of us will race to be the first”. But, then cannot help add: “Virgin Galactic will be the first.”
In 2014, SpaceShipTwo’s design and flight control systems were overhauled after a test flight crash killed a co-pilot.
Virgin Galactic has been developing SpaceShipTwo since 2004, and Branson had earlier said that commercial rides would begin in 2007.
Eleven years later, the firm is still working on getting its 600 customers into space.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
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