3/2/10

Is The Future Really Upon Us?



The future is now!

Space travel does not exist in some distant faraway time. It's about to happen now. So says Reaction Engines, the creator of Skylon, their long sleek beauty. They've unveiled plans to launch the spaceplane that flies like an airplane and acts like a spaceship. It even docks at an orbital space base before returning to Earth in an elegant articulate smooth landing.

Excitement rose in this Sci-fi girl at that thought. When I watched the Skylon simulated vid on space.com I have to admit my heart kicked up faster. I love this stuff. I can just see the not too distant future in this vid.  Oh yes, and to mention here Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic (that's Sir Richard) is launching plans for passenger air travel into outer space too. Oh my!

In the search for space engines that bring us closer to the stars and deep space travel -- well, at least Solar System space travel for now -- Skylon wins hands down to me. If you'd like to feel the rush of being on the cusp of true space travel, watch the vid below. And please enjoy!

The future does await us... Talk about imagination! 


Kaye

Photo of Skylon courtesy of Reaction Engines
Capture of Earth rising by Space.com

13 comments:

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

You seem to love sci-fi like I do paranormal ;) Which is cool!

I've never considered space travel...I'm scared enough to fly on a plane!

Unknown said...

I'm fascinated by the idea of space travel. I'm terrified of planes, but I think I'd give it a try if it were possible.

Shelley Munro said...

Space travel is fascinating. My very first winning story was about traveling through space for a holiday. I wrote it when I was about 12. :)

Linda Banche said...

The photographs from space are beautiful enough. What will it look like to see these views in person?

Kaye Manro said...

Jaime, I do love Sci-fi. When younger, I would dream about being aboard a starship!

Amber, remember those ‘Inertial Dampeners’ will be there to help out!

Shelley, wow! 12? That's young.

Linda, I beleive it would be fantastic to see deep space from out there!

Cari Quinn said...

I'm like Jaime...planes scare me, but yet I think space travel is an awesome concept. :)

Nancy said...

We'd be foolish to think that what we dream can not happen. Look at Jules Verne. His mysterious power to the Nautilus was nuclear. Now its a common fuel source for many submarines. Man is only limited by the realm of his imagination which is why we stretch those boundaries. Your work speaks volumes in that sense.. keep at it Kaye as always its a joy to read your blog

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I grew up listening to my dad talking about space travel and wishing her could do it. I'm not so sure I'd be any good though, I don't even like fairground rides and they must be infinately slower...

Kaye Manro said...

Cari-- it is a fantastic idea.

Obe -- you are so right, and thanks!

Debs -- that's really cool.

And remember, we will have those ‘Inertial Dampeners’ in place on spaceships which keep us from feeling the g-force, makes us feel like we are not moving at all!

Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

Kaily Hart said...

Hi Kaye, it's always amazed me that many science fiction show concepts 'preempt' innovation. Chicken or the egg? When I was little, I liked to imagine I was from a distant planet, hidden on earth for my own protection :). Yeah, I had a pretty active imagination. I would so go into space if I could!

BTW, I gave you an award on my blog! I always love to pop over here and catch up.

Christina Phillips said...

When I was at school I was always setting my stories in space! How amazing would it be to look down on planet Earth. I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to do that if it was possible, but I'd like to think so!!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Shivers up my spine. I love sci fi as well.
I'm still trying to get my mind around time travel. lol

I understand the speed required, and how long it takes to get around the world in a jet. Thus if someone flys around the world in less than a day, that is time travel. Or a day. As they land back in the same day they started.

I can't get around someone visiting me years ago. I'm here now, how can I be there type thing. lol.

I do believe it will happen one day though. :) Interesting video Kaye.

Sarah Simas said...

Hi Kaye!

The space travel sounds awesome! It's a big universe out there with lots to explore. Very cool and fascinating stuff!

I think Sir Richard is also looking into deep sea travel, too. Now, that would be my kind of trip! I love the ocean!