Tycoon wants to launch private space station

May 31, 2001 | Source: Associated Press

A Las Vegas hotel tycoon wants to launch his own space station and is seeking FAA approval.

Robert Bigelow said he anticipates that his Bigelow Aerospace division will be able to launch a full-size space station module into orbit within 30 months.

Bigelow said the private space station would be a destination for space tourists and could be used by drug firms and other manufacturers who benefit from a zero-gravity environment.