A Green Spaceport

New Mexico (TGW) – Is it possible to offset the huge amount of emissions of space flight?

Starting in 2009, Virgin Atlantic will begin offering two and a half hour long flights into space for the low price of $200,000.

The emissions from the company will be huge. One trip in SpaceShipTwo along with its launch vehicle, WhiteKnightTwo, has a carbon footprint equal to that of one business-class passenger flying round-trip between New York and London, says Virgin Galactic president Will Whitehorn.

In an attempt to reduce these emissions, Virgin Atlantic has built its spaceport green.

The main building will be teardrop shaped, with high-tech ventilation systems, solar panels, and massive windows.

The spaceport could even earn top certification from U.S. Green Building Council.

Via :: DISCOVER magazine