Virgin Galactic Announces Start of Commercial Spaceflight Service

Ibadan, 19 June 2023. – Virgin Galactic Holdings have announced the start of commercial spaceline operations. The first commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 01’, will tentatively fly between June 27 – June 30, 2023. The second commercial spaceflight, ‘Galactic 02,’ will follow in early August 2023, with monthly spaceflights expected thereafter.

The space tourism Company’s team and vehicles are ready to fly the Company’s first customers to space. This is as it 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.

On the other hand, “Galactic 02”, which will bring the Company’s experience to private astronauts, will tentatively launch in early August, with monthly flights to space beginning thereafter. The Company will consequently release the details regarding the crew and manifest for initial flights in advance of each mission.

“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 of 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, Colglazier also added.

The flights will give passengers views from space at the top of their climb and allow them a few minutes to experience weightlessness. However, the trips cost $450,000 (£352,170) per person.