EnlightenedOsote's blog: "Science"

A rocket-powered plane that will allow tourists to travel in space is in development and will start flights in two years. Plans have been revealed for 'Lynx', a two-seater 'space taxi', which will be capable of flying 37miles above the Earth from 2010. Flights will cost passengers £50,000 for a journey in the rocket-powered vehicle that is intended to operate like a normal aeroplane by taking off and landing on runways. It will reach twice the speed of sound on its ascent to offer space tourists spectacular views of Earth. Scroll down for more... Lynx An artist's impression of the Lynx - making space tourism possible from 2010, according to its developers The developments come just months after Richard Branson unveiled his Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo, a six-passenger space tourism vehicle, which might start flight tests later this year. Developed by US company XCOR, Lynx will be roughly the same size as a private jet and it will run on kerosene and liquid oxygen. Jeff Greason, CEO of XCOR, said: 'The Lynx will offer affordable access to space for individuals, researchers and educators. 'Future versions of Lynx will offer ever-improving capabilities for scientific and engineering research and commercial applications. 'The spaceship, roughly the size of a small private airplane, will first take off in 2010 and will be capable of flying several times each day.' Lynx will have a pressurized cabin but the pilot and passenger will wear helmets and pressure suits for safety. Scroll down for more... Lynx The Lynx will be a two-seater vehicle capable of flying 37miles above the Earth Greason continued: 'Its liquid fuel engines will provide the enhanced safety, durability, reliability and maintainability that keep operating costs low. 'They are fully reusable, burn cleanly, and release fewer particulates than solid fuel or hybrid-rocket motors.' Passengers on Lynx will need medical clearance before flying and they will be trained how to evacuate the rocket and operate the suits. Once in space, passengers will be able to enjoy the views from a co-pilot position. They will have to remain strapped in at all times. XCOR test pilot Colonel Rick Searfoss, a former pilot astronaut and space shuttle commander, said: 'The acceleration, the weightlessness, and the view will provide you with an experience that is out of this world. 'And the best part is that you'll ride right up front, like a co-pilot, instead of [at the] back, like cargo.' The Lynx has been in development for the past three years.