Virgin Galactic’s Flight
Tomorrow marks a significant milestone in the history of space travel as it embarks on its first commercial spaceflight. This article explores everything you need to know about the launch, from who’s going, when it’s launching, to ticket costs, frequency, and safety.
Who is going on the Virgin Galactic flight?
Tomorrow’s passengers will include Pantaleone Carlucci, an engineer at the National Research Council of Italy; Colin Bennett, an astronaut instructor at Virgin Galactic; Col. Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force; and Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi, a physician with the Italian Air Force.
When are they launching?
The launch is scheduled for no earlier than 11 a.m. EDT on June 29. The mission, known as Galactic 01, will lift off from New Mexico’s Spaceport America, the commercial hub of Virgin Galactic.
How much is a ticket?
If you’re dreaming of joining a future mission, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum. A ticket aboard the VSS Unity costs $450,000.
How often will they launch?
Should Galactic 01 proceed as planned, Virgin Galactic aims to have its vehicles fly again relatively quickly. The second flight, called Galactic 02, is planned for early August, with monthly commercial flights thereafter. By 2026, the company aims to launch a set of new “Delta-class” space planes capable of flying to space once a week.
Is it safe?
While Virgin Galactic insists safety is central to its operations, there have been concerns and incidents in the past. The most notable was a 2014 crash during a test flight that resulted in the death of one of the pilots. However, the company has maintained that it is committed to learning from these tragedies and continuously improving safety measures.
As the world watches tomorrow’s launch, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a new era of space exploration, one where the final frontier is becoming accessible to more than just professional astronauts. The Virgin Galactic flight is a step towards a future where space travel is a reality for many, not just a select few.
I’ll continue you watch Virgin Galactic and hope it doesn’t turn out like the submarine accident we had just yesterday! Keep up with this story at Right Celebrity!