Virgin Galactic and NASA partner up

Virgin Galactic and NASA are partnering to make space suits, heat shields and other equipment for space travel. In a collaborative deal announced this week, no money will change hands, but NASA scientists say both their agency and Virgin are in the business of making spaceships and a lot could be learned by both teams. The partnership also extends to motors and hypersonic vehicles.

Virign Galactic is currently taking reservations for its first outerspace trip in 2008. The company will be making its own vehicles and seats will cost upwards of $200,000. Passengers will have to endure medical checks and will spend three days at Virgin’s facilities for pre-flight preparation.