Tuesday, December 8th

Readers,

Thanks to The Daily Routine's IT department, we are proud to bring you the first Daily Routine post using Google Chrome. This free web browser has finally been released for Mac computers and is highly recommended by our technical experts. Congratulations Google Chrome on your official TDR endorsement. Today I would like to return to a topic on which we have touched previously. However, two recent news stories compelled me to elaborate on one of the largest (literally) issues of our time. Today's Daily Topic: COMMERCIAL SPACE TRAVEL

On Monday, Virgin Galactic unveiled its second commercialized spaceship. Before we delve further into that topic however, let us first consider the sheer absurdity that "galactic" is becoming a legitimate adjective in the commercial realm and is no long associated with science fiction or Buzz Lightyear.

Virgin Galactic, the brainchild of billionaire Sir Richard Branson, was founded in 1999 to explore the possibilities of space tourism. Over the past ten years, they have helped fund various projects of private space flight innovation and development. In 2004, the Virgin Galactic-sponsored ship successfully flew twice to altitudes over 100 km. This was the beginning of Virgin Galactic's physical space program.

With the unveiling of its first commercial spacecraft, Virgin Galactic has forever changed the face of tourism and commerce. Since 2005, Virgin Galactic has been taking reservations for space flight. Now, for $200,000 (one giant check for mankind), those reservations will finally become a reality for over 300 people who have already registered. For the first time, the Final Frontier is one check away.

The second news story of note was on the concept of space elevators and the economic implications. A space elevator, in the simplest terms possible, uses the centrifugal force of the earth to draw an object up a tall, extensive structure and into space. While the concept is still exactly that, a concept, it is estimated that if the physics and sheer monumental size of such a contraption are mastered, it would reduce the cost of getting people and objects to space by 90%.

While there are many skeptics, some physicists and engineers are wholeheartedly convinced that the idea is plausible. Current setbacks include the lack of a strong enough material to anchor the space elevator to the earth. But scientist predict that within a decade technological advancement will have developed such materials. Additionally, many space-elevator entrepreneurs wish to achieve their dream without government help, opening yet another sector of private space economics.

But what are the implications of space tourism and economic development. Consider the thousands of regulations that would be necessary in a new economic realm. In the Earth-centric realm, new taxes and fees would need to be implemented. As absurd as it may sound, space travelers taxes are probably not such a far off possibility. The safety regulations will probably be astronomical (no pun intended. Okay fine, pun intended). The potential for patents will increase exponentially. Galactic Management will become a major in business schools around the world (or out of it).

A more far-out issue would be that of jurisdiction. Will anyone try to stake a claim on space? What are the possibilities for conflict over regions of space and who governs them? Would we need a space passport? On the opposite end of the spectrum, could space become the first utopian and anarchic society, free from government rule and state boundaries? Will it prove to be a modern day New World, open to pilgrims escaping the persecutions and restrictions of modern politics, religion, economics and culture?

Although space colonization is a far off prospect, private space travel is a remarkable development in what will prove to be an important issue of our generation. For those interested in space travel, visit www.virgingalactic.com.

-ROF

Daily Food: Baja Fresh Nacho Burrito

Daily Activity: Booking My Space Flight

Daily Game: Scrabble

Daily Song: Ground Control to Major Tom - David Bowie

Daily Attire: Vote Khazei Button

Daily News Everyone Should Care About: Primary Under Way in Race for Kennedy Seat

Daily News No One Should Care About: Lady Gaga Meets the Queen

Daily Life Goal: I Choose to Go to the Moon

Daily Complaint: The Massachusetts Election Turnout

Daily Drink: Water

Daily Television: Family Guy

Daily Movie: Love Actually