Virgin Galactic: The First Commercial Suborbital Spaceflights

"New approach to space access for people, science and payload"

Virgin Galactic is a company within Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group which plans to provide sub-orbital spaceflights to the paying public. Further in the future Virgin Galactic plans to offer orbital spaceflights as well.

From Music to the telecommunications, the Virgin Group has developed a strong presence in the entertainment business and now one of its latest innovations, the White-Knight II, is taking the company business to a galactic altitude.

The spacecraft is remarkable inside and out. The White-Knight II’s aerodynamic and futuristic lines are a premonition of upcoming aircrafts; its its excellent performance and resilience reveal the giant leap in technological material achieved by this endeavor. The vehicle is all carbon composite (not-metal), which allows for a lighter and more fuel efficient end-product. Also, the take-off is horizontal which makes the launch safer and more environmentally friendly^[1].

The suborbital flight itself will only be for only a small fraction of time. The weightlessness will last approximately 6 minutes. ^[1] Passengers will be able to release themselves from their seats during these 6 minutes and float around the cabin ^[2].

Quoting the Virgin Galatic site, “this new technology is a new approach to space access for people, science and payload”. Flights are expected to start in 2010.  Branson has said that he has a list of 45,000 people from 120 countries who have registered to take the space trips. It will cost $200,000 a ride, according to the Spaceport America Web site ^[3].

Video: Virgin Galactic promotional trailer starring Richard Branson