Sir Richard Branson's space tourism company, Virgin Galactic, has announced plans to launch its first commercial flight by the end of this month. The flight, named Galactic 01, is scheduled for
a launch window between June 27 and June 30. Following the announcement, Virgin Galactic shares experienced a more than 40% surge in extended trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The initial flight will be a scientific research mission, carrying three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research.
The company plans to conduct its second commercial spaceflight in early August, with a goal of operating monthly spaceflights thereafter. This development signifies a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, which has overcome various challenges and setbacks over its 19-year history.
The company has already sold over 800 tickets for space tourism, offering passengers the opportunity to experience weightlessness and witness space views from an altitude of over 80 kilometers (260,000 feet) above Earth. Photo by Ronrosano, Wikimedia commons.