Topic: Richard Branson

Peru set to surpass Colombia as world's top coca producer

A UN report released Thursday shows Peru is just shy of overtaking Colombia in coca cultivation, demonstrating the 'balloon effect' that drug war watchers always warn about: when pressure is applied in one area, production 'balloons' in another.

Kofi Annan, George Shultz say drug war a failure

A new report calls the 'war on drugs' a failure. The claim isn't new, but hearing it from an ex-UN head and a former US secretary of State adds new weight to the criticism.

After the space shuttle, astronaut corps awaits a new mission

NASA's once-iconic astronaut corps will shrink but still play a vital role as the space shuttle era comes to an end.

'Jetman' zooms along rim of Grand Canyon in first US flight

Jetman, aka adventurer Yves Rossy, hit 190 m.p.h. Saturday as he flew with a jet-pack above the Grand Canyon. Where some see self-promotional stunt man, others see a boundary-breaker.

A space tourism trip to the moon? It could happen by 2015.

A space tourism study by Space Adventures suggests that 140 private citizens could reach orbit by 2020, and it is promoting its own 17-day excursion that includes orbiting the moon.

Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Much of the invite list is dictated by tradition and diplomacy, but 1,000 attendees were also invited as "friends and family." Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.

'Flying' submarine: Richard Branson shifts sights from outer space to deep sea

'Flying' submarine? British tycoon Richard Branson on Tuesday unveiled the one-man Virgin Oceanic Sub, which is capable of diving seven miles underwater to the deepest points in the ocean.

April Fool's Day history: five best-ever pranks

April Fool's Day history has been marked by many good pranks, but here are five of the most creative ever.

iPad: Can it save the magazine industry?

IPad, other tablet computers, and e-readers will create a 'reading revolution.' But publishers' revenues may lag.

Richard Branson bemoans 'overeducated,' risk-averse entrepreneurs: WikiLeaks

In a January 2008 meeting with Chinese businessmen, billionaire Sir Richard Branson agreed 'that British entrepreneurs are overeducated and that schooling does not prepare one for entering the business world.'

Virgin Galatic 'spaceliner' passes another glide test

Virgin Galatic's 'SpaceShipTwo' successfully completed a glide test over the California desert on Wednesday.

Will space tourists be Earth polluters? Scientists sound a warning.

As firms prepare to launch the space tourism business, one study warns that the soot from the suborbital crafts' hybrid rocket motors could collect in the stratosphere and warm the poles.

Virgin Galactic glides closer to $200,000-a-seat space shots

Virgin Galactic gave its spacecraft a first test flight Sunday. It glided to a perfect landing from an elevation of 45,000 feet. Virgin Galactic hopes to start flights for tourists within 18 months.

Virgin Galactic spaceship test glide could happen this fall

Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo spacecraft, the VSS Enterprise, could make its first drop flights over California's Mojave Desert for glide and landing tests this fall, says the company.

Six great summer getaways...in space!

If you've got an adventurous spirit and a fat bank balance, these out-of-this-world holidays are for you.

Six private enterprises that could launch humans into orbit

Private spaceflight is entering a new era with the first test launch of the new Falcon 9 rocket Friday. Here are six companies vying to build a vessel that will carry civilians into space.

Volcanic ash cloud: Where is it now - May 18?

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland dissipated today and a British Airways labor strike was canceled, allowing Europe's airports to return to near-normal operations. But the British Met Office is taking fire for its volcanic ash cloud forecasts.

Virgin's Richard Branson takes on peak oil

A report out of Britain funded by Virgin Airlines owner Richard Branson and other British business leaders warns that peak oil is looming in 2015. The controversial idea that growing oil demand will soon outstrip more finds is capturing the attention of governments.

A private space industry is born

Human spaceflight today may be where the satellite business was early on: Governments initially handled everything, but eventually companies took over the business.

Icon A5 aircraft billed as an aeronautical 'game-changer'

The new plane from Icon Aircraft will set you back a cool quarter of a million dollars.

The 'Elders' arrive in Israel to boost Mideast peace

The respected delegation, headed by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, irked Israel by initially planning to meet Hamas in Gaza. That trip has been delayed.

Wind-powered car sets speed record, but gimme a wind wagon any day

Holograms, live onstage

Once limited to movies, they head into the real world.