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The sky’s no longer the limit
ADELAIDE-born astronaut Andy Thomas has a 10 year plan to to turn the Woomera rocket range into an international spaceport for tourists.
Dr Thomas has told the Federal Government about his $150 million idea to use the outback site to send international tourists into space and launch satellites.
He outlined his plan to Science Minister Julie Bishop last month when he visited Australia, and this week wrote to her about the initiative.
“One of the best places in the world to run commercial space flights is Woomera.” he said.
The space shuttle veteran said Woomera was perfectly suited for space flight because it was dry, had stable weather, already had important technical infrastructure and “has a down-range area that is safe”.
“What a great place to have a space adventure,” he said.
“It just takes an investment, a will to do it and a commitment like New Mexico has done.”
“Space tourism will be running into the billions of dollars in the years to come,” Dr Thomas said. “It’s amazing how many people have got that cash lying around.”
Several companies besides Virgin Galactic are planning to send tourists into space, including US-based Space Adventures, which recently announced plans to build spaceports in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Space Adventures has already sent three civilians into space. Each paid $27 million to stay on the International Space Station, circling the Earth for several days.
The company is now taking bookings for a $138,000 trip to the edge of space.
Graham Muldoon
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