BILLIONAIRE BUSINESSMAN RICHARD Branson is ready for his first Virgin Galactic space flight.
In the next test flight window, starting on July 11th, the company owner should test the “private astronaut experience”.
Branson said he was “honored” to help “deliver a unique customer experience to his company.”
Virgin Galactic got the go-ahead to launch paying customers after its license was updated by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this month.
This month’s Unity 22 mission will mark the 22nd flight test for the VSS Unity rocket aircraft and the company’s fourth manned spaceflight.
The main objectives of the next test flight, which will take off from the Virgin Galactic spaceport in New Mexico, will be “to evaluate seating comfort, weightlessness and a view of the earth” in the space cabin.
The company said it also wants to demonstrate the conditions for conducting research experiments for humans and confirm that the training program at Spaceport America supports the space experience.
Ahead of his upcoming space flight, Branson said, “I really believe that space is ours all.
“After more than 16 years of research, development and testing, Virgin Galactic is at the forefront of a new commercial space industry that will open space to mankind and change the world forever.
“It is one thing to dream of making space more accessible to all; It’s another thing for an incredible team to work together to make that dream a reality.
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“As part of a remarkable crew of mission specialists, I am honored to confirm the journey of our future astronauts and to ensure that we deliver the unique customer experience that people have come to expect from Virgin.”
Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic, addressing the benefits of Branson’s next space flight, said: “Our next flight – the 22nd flight test for VSS Unity and our first full-crew flight test – is a testament to the dedication and technical brilliance of our entire team, and I would particularly like to thank our pilots and mission specialists, each of whom will do important work.
“It will be invaluable to leverage Sir Richard’s expertise and years of experience creating amazing customer experiences as we work to open up the wonder of space and create amazing journeys for our customers.”