Virgin Galactic starting commercial spaceflight service
Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. have announced the start of commercial spaceline operations.
Above:
View from Space on Virgin Galactic's First Spaceflight.
Copyright Virgin Galactic
The first commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 01’, is planned to fly between June 27 – June 30, 2023. The second commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 02’, will follow in early August 2023, with monthly spaceflights expected thereafter.
Virgin Galactic’s team and vehicles are ready to fly the Company’s first customers to space, having successfully completed the Unity 25 spaceflight and subsequent routine analysis and vehicle inspections. ‘Galactic 01’, a scientific research mission, will carry three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research. With scientific payloads on board, the spaceflight will showcase the value and power of the unique suborbital science lab that Virgin Galactic offers.
‘Galactic 02’, which will bring Virgin Galactic’s unique experience to private astronauts, is planned for early August, flights to space then planned to continue on a monthly basis.
“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, 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.”
Details regarding the crew and manifest for initial flights will be released in advance of each mission.
Livestreams for both ‘Galactic 01’ and ‘Galactic 02’ missions will be available to view on: www.VirginGalactic.com.