Virgin Galactic will embark on its first commercial space mission with the ‘Galactic 01’ flight window slated to take off between 27–30 June 2023 and monthly tourist space flights on the horizon.
After the June 2023 Virgin Galactic commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 02’ will follow in early August with monthly services expected thereafter.
The news comes after the successful completion of the Unity 25 suborbital spaceflight on 25 May 2023 with six Virgin Galactic employees and subsequent routine analysis and inspections.
Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier said: “We are launching the first commercial spaceline for Earth with two dynamic products – our scientific research and private astronaut space missions.”
“The next exciting chapter has been driven by innovation, determination and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled and truly transformative customer experience.”
Galactic 01, a scientific research mission, will carry three crew members from the Italian Air Force and National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research, while Galactic 02 will transport private astronauts.
Virgin Galactic released tickets to the general public in February 2022.
Pre-sold tickets were USD$200,000 each and now cost $450,000 each with 100 already sold, according to Business Insider.
For more info, head to virgingalactic.com