If you think you have a clue regarding when Virgin Galactic will begin commercial service, and you’re not averse to or prohibited from gambling, you might be able to make a buck or two. Web site BetUS is taking bets on when Virgin Galactic’s first commercial spaceflight will take place. The leading time frame is May-August 2009, with odds of +275 ($275 won for $100 gambled), followed by September-December 2009 at +300 and January-April 2009 at +400. If you’re a pessimist, January-April and May-August 2011 are each at +1200. The full list of odds is on its web site, under “Future/props” and “Entertainment props”, alongside such key issues as Alec Baldwin, Britney Spears, and Survivor Fiji.
It should be noted that, at the National Space Symposium last month, Alex Tai of Virgin Galactic said that the company was “well on course” for beginning commercial flights sometime in 2009 or 2010, a bit later than previously reported, although Virgin officials have made it clear that they’ll fly when the vehicle is ready, rather than try to stick with a specific timetable.
Disclaimer: no, this post is not endorsing gambling, and such activities may be prohibited by law in your jurisdiction.
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