According to Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic will take its inaugural space flight at some time next year. He also confirmed that he and his two adult children would be along for the ride.
Several test flights have already been successfully made using the incredible SpaceShipTwo (SS2). The vehicle features a carbon composite build that is 60ft long. Virgin Galactic refers to the engineering marvel as being similar to an “air launched glider with a rocket motor and a couple of extra systems” tailored specifically for sub-orbital space flights.
The two and a half hour flight take will take the space tourists 100 kilometres into the atmosphere, a point that qualifies as reaching space. Once there, they will experience five minutes of weightlessness. According to this AP article, 529 people have already paid the $200,000 required to take the incredible voyage.
The SS2 seats eight passengers, two of whom are highly trained pilots. Flights will be launched from a spaceport in New Mexico with all paid passengers requiring one week of training prior to their launch.
Those interested in taking this incredible journey can book using the Virgin Galactic website.
Until then, enjoy this introductory video courtesy of Virgin Galactic.
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