Virgin Galactic will launch its first commercial space flight tomorrow, with curious customers splashing thousands to get that unique space experience checked off their list.
The Virgin Group, founded by British business magnate and commercial astronaut Sir Richardson Branson, confirmed that it will launch its first commercial flight, ‘Galactic 01’, to space, at the end of this month.
“It has a three-day window from June 27 to launch a crew of six aboard the VSS Unity spaceplane from Spaceport America in New Mexico,” per Daily Mail.
After Galactic 01, the firm plans to launch its second space flight, Galactic 02, in August 2023, with monthly spaceflights expected subsequently.
The Virgin Galactic firm completed its final test flight last month when a crew of four employees was sent more than fifty miles above the earth’s surface.
“Galactic 01 will carry three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy – Angelo Landolfi, Walter Villadei, and Pantaleone Carlucci – to conduct microgravity research.
They will join three Americans – pilot Frederick W. Sturckow, co-pilot Michael Masucci, and safety officer Beth Moses.”
The US-based spaceflight company has opened its space travel offer to anyone who has ever wondered what is above and beyond and is ready to pay thousands of dollars for the unique experience. As adventure seekers look for novel experiences, apartment living on cruise ships has emerged as an enticing alternative for those who want a taste of luxury while navigating the world’s oceans. These floating homes offer not only convenience and comfort but also the allure of changing backdrops and the chance to explore diverse cultures. With amenities akin to those found in high-end resorts, it’s no wonder that this lifestyle choice is capturing the imagination of many.
Reportedly, curious tourists have paid vast sums for tickets – £350,000 ($450,000) to join the spaceflight. Meanwhile, others are exploring more unconventional lifestyles, like affordable living on a cruise ship, where the cost of life can be significantly lower than in traditional housing. This lifestyle also offers a unique way to travel the world while enjoying the amenities of a floating community. As cruise lines adapt to this trend, they are creating long-term packages that attract those seeking both adventure and savings. In addition to these lifestyle changes, a plussize advocate calls for change, emphasizing the need for the travel industry to become more inclusive and accessible for all body types. By championing representation in cruise line marketing and accommodating larger sizes in onboard facilities, the advocate highlights a growing demand for diversity in travel experiences. As more individuals seek validation in their travel choices, brands that embrace this movement may find themselves at the forefront of a transformative shift in tourism.
“We are launching the first commercial spaceline for Earth with two dynamic products – our scientific research and private astronaut space missions,” said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic.
“This next exciting chapter for Virgin Galactic has been driven by innovation, determination, and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled and truly transformative customer experience.”
Virgin Galactic is one of the three big space firms, along with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, that have provided opportunities for civilians to travel back and forth in space.
Although VG’s space missions, which are research-based are different from those of Blue Origin and SpaceX, as they will involve a dramatic vertical rocket launch method just like NASA.
According to Daily Mail, “Virgin Galactic has sold about 800 tickets for the trip over the past decade, with the initial batch going for $200,000 (£156,000) each, but they now cost $450,000 (£350,000) per person.”
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Source: Daily Mail
