Virgin Galactic is in an assertive position in space tourism. After two years, the company is making noise again with a manned space mission. Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded by Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin Group, has taken a new step in the field where it has been silent for almost two years. In the past hours, it carried out a manned mission again.
Virgin Galactic made its final test ride in space tourism
In the mission called Unity 25, four company employees (Beth Moses, Luke Mays, Jamila Gilbert, and Christopher Huie) and pilots had the chance to see the edge of space. The Unity 25 mission was important for the company. Because it was the last test before the start of commercial operations. “We will start commercial service with the Galactic 01 mission,” the company said in a statement. It seems that the company will not wait too long for the commercial adventure. Also, according to the official statement, the process will be launched in June if there is no setback.
Virgin Galactic has previously carried out multiple space tourism missions. In one launch, Richard Branson was taken directly into space, and great success was achieved in this mission, which was broadcast live on YouTube. Branson was not alone in this mission called Unity 22. In total, a team of six people had ascended into space. Other Virgin Galactic employees were Beth Moses, Colin Bennett, Sirisha Bandla and pilots Dave Mackay and Michael Masucci.
On this mission, the company used the VMS Eve, an “intermediary aircraft” flown by pilots CJ Sturckow and Kelly Latimer, to lift VSS Unity to the specified altitude. After that, the VSS left Unity on its own. At this point, VSS Unity ignited its onboard rocket engine, exceeded the speed of sound three times and took its crew into space.
The company charges $450,000 per seat for flights. In 2021, it was reported that 100 tickets were sold with this high price tag. Also, old tickets were sold for $250,000 between 2005 and 2014. Together with the old tickets, it was said that the company sold a total of 700 tickets for space travel.
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