Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded by Sir Richard Branson, successfully completed its highly anticipated first commercial spaceflight, known as Galactic 01, on Thursday. The momentous event took place at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
The spacecraft, named VSS Unity, was piloted by a skilled duo and carried a total of six individuals. Among them were a Virgin Galactic trainer responsible for overseeing the mission inside the cabin, and the company’s first trio of paying customers who happen to be members of the Italian Air Force. Additionally, the flight accommodated 13 research payloads as part of its scientific objectives.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, which has encountered numerous delays and challenges over the years. Following the success of Galactic 01, the company plans to launch its second mission as early as August and aims to establish a monthly flight schedule for its spacecraft.
As Virgin Galactic progresses, it continues to secure funding for the development of its upcoming Delta class of spacecraft. The company’s ultimate goal is to create a fleet of vehicles capable of flying at least once a week, catering to the growing demand for space tourism.
With an existing backlog of approximately 800 passengers, Virgin Galactic remains committed to delivering unforgettable experiences to its customers. While many of the tickets were sold over a decade ago at prices ranging from $200,000 to $250,000, the company reopened ticket sales two years ago, with current pricing starting at $450,000 per seat.
