Just when you thought the world was out of ideas to quell the most extravagant of demands, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson says, “Hold on, dude. I’ve got one more for you.”

With SpaceShipTwo, Branson gives the average millionaire a chance to go where only aggressively-trained astronauts have gone before. Branson’s plan is to take tourism outside the atmosphere, by attaching the SS2 to a rocket, which will release at about 50,000 ft. Once free from the rocket, passengers will enjoy 5 minutes of weightlessness, before re-entering the atmosphere.

At $200,000 dollar a seat for the first missions, this is an adventure that only the elite few will be able to afford, but Branson is convinced the opportunity to see Earth and the universe that surrounds it will be well worth the cash.

No offense, Rich, but $200,000 for a trip that lasts a total of 20 minutes? I think I’d rather just bring a copy of Astronomy Today on my 3 year trip to Costa Rica, but thanks for the offer.

Full Story @ cNet