After years of anticipation, Virgin Galactic – the world’s first commercial Spaceline – will be making its first voyages soon.
Conceived by Billionaire businessman Richard Branson after a meeting with legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin in the mid-90s, Virgin Galactic has been a work in progress for decades.
The plan was always to use reusable aircraft deployed from a carrier vehicle to take paying passengers into the upper atmosphere.
Now, after decades of design and test flights, the Spaceline is on the edge of making its first commercial spaceflights from its ‘Spaceport America’ facility in New Mexico.
When the first spaceflight reservations were opened in February 2022, Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier said the company planned ‘to have our first 1,000 customers on board at the start of commercial service later this year, providing an incredibly strong foundation as we begin regular operations and scale our fleet.’
Now, the first mission, Galactic01, is almost ready for launch.
So, when is the first flight, and what will it achieve?
Here is what you need to know.
When is Virgin Galactic’s first flight?
When Galactic’s first flight was announced, it was due to take place in a window between June 27 to 30, 2023.
It was later revealed the exact launch date will be June 29, 2023.
Coverage is due to begin at 3pm GMT (or 8am local time in New Mexico), with thelaunch due at 4pm GMT.
Who will be on Virgin Galactic’s first flight?
The Spaceline’s first flight, Galactic01, will not feature members of the public but will instead be crewed by researchers from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy. They are:
- Astronaut 003 – Colin Bennet
- Astronaut 008 – Col. Walter Villadei
- Astronaut 009 – Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi
- Astronaut 010 – Pantaleone Carlucci
The mission will be scientific in nature, with the team looking to carry out microgravity research.
In their description of the mission, Virgin Galactic states, ‘the spaceflight will showcase the value and power of the unique suborbital science lab that Virgin Galactic offers.’
How to watch Virgin Galactic’s first flight
The easiest way to tune in to the Virgin Galactic flight is via the company’s YouTube live stream which starts at 3pm GMT.
It will also be live-streamed on the Virgin Galactic website.
How much do Virgin Galactic flights cost?
When reservation opportunities were first announced, a deposit of $150,000 was required to reserve the spot.
The total price was a cool $450,000 for the 90-minute journey.
After several days of training, customers would get to experience ‘several minutes of out-of-seat weightlessness and breath-taking views of Earth from the spaceship’s 17 windows.’
When is the next Virgin Galactic flight?
The second mission, Galactic02, will take place in early August and will feature private astronauts.
The company is hoping to undertake monthly flights after that.
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