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Virgin Galactic Ready for Commercial Space Tourism in June
After a two-year hiatus, space tourism company Virgin Galactic is ready to enter commercial service in June following a successful flight to the edge of space on Thursday. The flight marks a crucial step for the company, which has been beset by technical snafus and delays. The company said it had achieved the two main mission objectives of conducting a final assessment of VMS Eve and VSS Unity and evaluating astronaut training and spaceflight experience. Virgin Galactic’s under-development Delta-class suborbital spaceplanes will eventually conduct a flight once a week at a ticket price of around $450,000.
The Flight Mission Details
The VMS Eve aircraft, carrying a crew of six (plus two aircraft pilots), departed the New Mexico launch site at around 9:15 a.m. MT. After a little over an hour, the VSS Unity spaceplane dropped from the wing of the jet and took off to suborbital space at an altitude of 44,500 feet. The entire mission lasted around 90 minutes.
The Crew
The Unity 25 crew comprised Virgin employees Jamila Gilbert, Christopher Huie, Luke Mays, and Beth Moses. Jameel Janjua and Nicola Pecile commanded VMS Eve, while VSS Unity was piloted by Mike Masucci and CJ Sturckow.
The CEO’s Statement
CEO Michael Colglazier expressed his complete confidence in the unique astronaut experience they built for their customers. The successful flight is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Virgin Galactic. The focus is now on post-flight analysis, preparation for ‘Galactic 01,’ their commercial research mission, planned for late June.
Virgin Galactic vs. Virgin Orbit
Virgin Galactic is a space tourism company, while Virgin Orbit aims to deliver small spacecraft payloads to orbit and is in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings.
FAQs
When will Virgin Galactic enter commercial service?
Virgin Galactic is set to enter commercial service in June 2022 after a successful flight mission to suborbital space.
What are the ticket prices for Virgin Galactic’s space tourism?
The ticket price for space tourism with Virgin Galactic is around $450,000.
What are the main objectives for Virgin Galactic’s space tourism?
Virgin Galactic aims to achieve the final assessment of VMS Eve and VSS Unity and evaluates astronaut training and spaceflight experience before entering commercial service.
What is the difference between Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit?
Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit are two commercial companies founded by billionaire Richard Branson. Virgin Galactic is a space tourism company, while Virgin Orbit aims to deliver small spacecraft payloads to orbit.
Who comprised the Unity 25 crew?
The Unity 25 crew included Virgin employees Jamila Gilbert, Christopher Huie, Luke Mays, and Beth Moses. Jameel Janjua and Nicola Pecile commanded VMS Eve, while VSS Unity was piloted by Mike Masucci and CJ Sturckow.
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