Virgin Galactic Sets Prices for First Space Tourist Flight
Billionaire Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic space tourism company have set inflight space tour dates, and the prices are out of this world. Seats have been assigned for the Virgin Space Ship Unity and the inaugural Galactic 01, a scientific research mission. That first mission will consist of three crew members from the Italian Air Force and three members of the National Research Council of Italy that will conduct microgravity research according to Virgin Galactic’s site.
“We are launching the first commercial spaceline for Earth with two dynamic products – our scientific research and private astronaut space missions,” said Virgin Galactic’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Colglazier.
The research flight is scheduled between June 27 and 30 and while that first group of travellers is set and ready for take-off, hundreds are still waiting for their turn. The initial tickets that were pre-sold were priced at $200,000 each, according to sources.
The presale tickets seemed like a steep price, but now the going rate for a single ticket is $450,000, more than double the original price. At the new higher price roughly 100 tickets have already been sold, according to Business Insider. Virgin Galactic’s next flight, Galactic 02, will take off in August with the first group of excited space ticket holders.
“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,” Colglazier said.
“We are making steady progress on the development of our Delta Class spaceships, the driver of revenue growth and profitability in the business,” Colglazier reported during first-quarter financial updates.
In May, Branson’s other space venture, Virgin Orbit had to call it quits due to lack of financing. Virgin Orbit was a mission to launch small satellites into space. “There was a time when I thought we were going to lose everything,” said Branson.
The Virgin Galactic flights will take passengers approximately 60 miles above Earth for a flight of about 90 minutes. Virgin Galactic expects to make monthly trips with passengers. The capacity of the spacecraft is eight, two of those being pilots. Roughly 800 tickets have already been sold already. In order to get in line, space tourists have to put down a $150,000 deposit, with the remaining balance due before boarding.
Now Open: The Spaceline for Earth 🌎
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) June 15, 2023
We’re opening space travel to anyone who has ever wondered what is above and beyond. Get ready for our first commercial spaceflights:#GALACTIC01 → June 2023
Scientific Research Mission#GALACTIC02 → August 2023
Private Astronaut… pic.twitter.com/WCDYRlBsLB
