Ascender Project - Briefing No.4  

Briefing No.4 - January 2002 - Web Edition

In this Briefing:

• Spaceflight Draw Winner Announced

  Thanks to all members, fingers crossed for 2002.

• Ascender Flight Test Model

  Learn About the Ascender Flight Test Model, BSP's second piece of operational hardware.

• Bristol Spacplanes Ltd. - A Day in the Life

  Managing Director David Ashford takes us through an "average" work day.

• Merchanrdise and Special Offers

  Deals on computers, camping gear and travel exclusively for Ascender Project Club members.

• Write On

  Member's letters and BSP's replies

Spaceflight Draw: Cheap Day Return to Space

One of the chief selling points of Bristol Spaceplane's Ascender Project is the chance to win a ticket to space aboard Ascender. Every year for the duration of the Ascender Project, a name shall be drawn from the membership list to be awarded a unique prize - a sub-orbital space flight.

BSP are proud to announce that they have awarded this ticket to Mr Andrew Hobson of Bristol. When BSP rang Andrew there was only an answering machine. Several days later, still no response. Next week, we tried again to find out that Andrew is not only the first Spaceflight Draw winner but also has just returned from his honeymoon. Our congratulations on both accounts, Andrew.

So now is your chance to win in 2002. Remember that for every new recruit a current member brings in, BSP enter BOTH names into the draw. So spread the word and let's get Ascender flying with members of the Ascender Project.

Letter from the Director

Bristol Spaceplanes would like to wish a happy Christmas to all members of the Ascender Project, wherever they are.

A number of years ago, the first manned mission to the moon took place over the Christmas period of 1968. This mission, Apollo 8, fired the public imagination with space travel - especially with the now-famous pictures of the Earth above the lunar horizon. Ever since then, I have believed that the UK should have a manned space programme and a more open awareness of space activities.

I am glad, however, that this is being undertaken in the private sector by BSP and not through ESA or NASA. The ISS is operating at a huge budget increase (in fact, NASA is unsure of HOW big this increase is) as well as having its science capability slashed by only supporting three astronauts instead of six.

By contrast, Ascender is offering the opportunity for a long-term capability to operate in space as well as removing the dependence on government funding for cash. Interestingly, the Russian Space Agency is making some serious cash by flying private citizens to space and in MiGs. Is it time to join the revolution?

David Ashford, Managing Director Bristol Spaceplanes

BSP Public Appearances

Bristol Spaceplanes have an active policy of supporting requests for presentations. As a result we are often invited to address various societies, schools and organisations.

BSP have been invited to address the prestigious BROHP at Charterhouse School over April 2nd, 3rd and 4th of April 2002 at Charterhouse School in Surrey. Contact address is brohp2@aol.com. BSP's Managing Director, David Ashford will be giving a historical perspective on Ascender.

Would your firm, school, or club be interested in having an Ascender talk featuring video and computer imagery? If so e-mail bsp@bristolspaceplanes.com

Merchandise and Special Offers