The company, which arranged orbital flights for U.S. businessman Dennis Tito in April 2001, and South African Internet tycoon Mark Shuttleworth in April 2002 - both via Russian spacecraft to the International Space Station - said Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who has ruled Ras Al-Khaimah since 1948, along with the U.A.E. Department of Civilian Aviation, have granted clearance to operate sub-orbital spaceflights in their air space.

"I am proud to announce Ras Al-Khaimah as the site where sub-orbital commercial space travel will begin and flourish," Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi said. "Space Adventures is the pioneer of space tourism, which is why we signed an agreement with them nearly a year ago and began this project. After we initiate operations here, we look forward to expanding operations outside of the United Arab Emirates. We are most excited about spearheading this multi-billion dollar industry."

Eric Anderson, the chief executive officer of Space Adventures, said Ras Al-Khaimah's proximity to Dubai, one of the world's leading luxury tourist destinations, "makes it a choice location for spaceflight operations. As a global leader of tourism, the United Arab Emirates is an ideal location for a spaceport. Sub-orbital flights will offer millions of people the opportunity to experience the greatest adventure available, space travel. We are honored to partner with His Highness Sheikh Saud."

Myasischev Design Bureau, a Russian aerospace concern that has developed many high-performance aircraft and space systems, is designing the craft that would be based at Ras Al-Khaimah. Called Explorer, it will have the capacity to transport up to five people to space.

The system as currently conceived will consist of the M-55X, a flight-operational carrier aircraft, and a rocket spacecraft. "We've designed the Explorer with several exciting features that will be announced in the near future that will make the customer's experience fantastic," said Valery Novikov, MDB's head designer. "Additionally, the safety of the passengers is our chief aim and the Explorer will make use of several multi-redundant safety systems that we have unique experience in designing and implementing for the last 40 years."

"Yesterday, we announced our fully-funded vehicle development joint venture with Prodea, a private investment firm founded by the Ansari family," Anderson said. "Now, the manufacturing process can be completed to build a fleet of these vehicles in the near future. We will not disclose the development schedule until it has been finalized but we, at Space Adventures, along with Prodea, have the utmost confidence that through our global vehicle and spaceport development projects, we will enable operations of the world's first commercial sub-orbital flights."

"The Department of Civil Aviation has examined and evaluated all the technical aspects and we, along with relevant federal authorities, are supportive of the operation of commercial sub-orbital spaceflight in U.A.E. air space," said Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, head of civil aviation. "We support Space Adventures' development of a spaceport at the Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport, and we view this project as a technological enhancement to the region that will bring visitors to the Emirates from around the world."

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