Alabama commercial space launch firm says it will to test 2-seat hardware in 2012

Space Operations, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama announced plans today to build a two-seat manned orbital spacecraft for commercial and government use. The company plans a test launch on February 20, 2012, with a regular flight schedule beginning in late 2012 or early 2013, if it gains the necessary capital investors.

The Eclipse spacecraft will utilize the highly successful legacy Gemini technology that was developed by NASA to allow SOI to bring this product to market in a very short time frame. The company will also seek to utilize the services of other commercial rocket manufacturers to launch the spacecraft.

The company spokesman says it will use the spacecraft to service different sectors in the orbital space market including satellite servicing and repair; satellite deployment; space tourism, including space walks; new space station construction/re-supply; and space debris de-orbit.