Space Tourism

1) In a short paragraph describe the details of the accident.

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo broke apart a few minutes after separation from the launch vehicle.  It happened at around 50,000 ft, killing one pilot and injuring the other.  Pilot error seems to be the early focus for the accident.  It is believed that the feathering system was deployed at around mach1 which caused the ship to break apart.  The surviving pilot fell from the sky in -59 degree temps and extreme pressure changes.  He was released from the hospital with a shattered shoulder and damage to his lung.
2) Give a brief history about space tourism and specifically, Virgin Galactic.
Richard Branson is the CEO and founder of Virgin Galactic.  The space project has approximately $490 million invested and has received $80 million in tickets sales on pre order.  The project has not yet taken passengers into outer space and at around $250,000 per passenger, has a a small niche of people that can afford it.
3) Are there any regulations, FAA or ICAO, that specifically address space tourism and/or space flight in general? 

The FAA  has a minimal regulatory framework for commercial spaceflight. Companies have to get test permits. Congress imposed a moratorium on burdening the fledgling sector with additional red tape back in 2004, with the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act. And in 2012, Congress extended the measure to October, 1, 2015.

3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry?  
I think that we will see space tourism at a level where it will be more affordable in the future.  Its early in the stages now and has a lot of kinks to work out.  I think it will be something the masses could afford in the next 20 or 30 years.  Traveling in airplanes used to be only for the wealthy, but now anyone can afford a flight.

4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry  - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.

I found a job listing on Glassdoor for a Business Manager for Virgin Galactic.  The qualifications are; * 8 plus years of financial and contractual management experience is required

* Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field; MBA is desired

* Strong budget/forecast and financial analysis skills

* Strong understanding and abilities in procurement processes

* Business Management experience supporting aerospace/newspace companies are
 highly preferred

* Exemplary written and oral communication skills

* Familiarity with ITAR regulations and compliance

* Solid negotiation and influencing skills

* Strong administration/time management skills

* Familiarity with FAR financial requirements are a plus


http://www.glassdoor.com/job-listing/business-manager-JV_IC1146850_KO0,16_IE486741.htm?jl=1216084400&paoIdKey=MA== http://www.newsweek.com/commercial-space-travel-virgin-galactic-nasa-space-spaceshiptwo-virgin-282199
http://qz.com/290722/the-real-problem-behind-virgin-galactics-flight-test-disaster-is-bad-business/