Virgin Galactic successfully conducted its inaugural commercial spaceflight on June 29th. The space company, founded by Richard Branson, has now joined the ranks of companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin in offering space travel to paying customers.
The VSS Unity, a rocket-powered spaceplane, took off from Truth or Consequences in New Mexico. Although this flight didn’t carry space tourists, it carried two members of the Italian Air Force and a research engineer who collected scientific data in microgravity. The passengers were accompanied by two pilots and a flight engineer from Virgin Galactic.
The carrier vehicle released the VSS Unity at an altitude of around 15 kilometers. The spaceplane then activated its rocket engine and climbed to an altitude of 80 kilometers, which is considered by NASA and the US Air Force as entering space. However, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, which maintains space flight records, defines space as beginning at the Kármán line, 100 kilometers above sea level.
While this is not the first time Virgin Galactic has reached 80 kilometers, it marks their first commercial operation. The next flight, Galactic 02, is scheduled for August and will include paying customers who have each paid $450,000 for the trip.
During the livestream, Italian Air Force Major General Maurizio Cantiello emphasized the importance of studying other ways for space access, specifically horizontal access. Compared to other companies in the industry, Virgin Galactic is unique in using a spaceplane instead of a traditional rocket.
This successful flight is a significant achievement for Richard Branson’s space endeavors, especially after the recent closure of his satellite launch company, Virgin Orbit. Virgin Galactic’s progress in the commercial spaceflight sector continues to solidify its presence in the industry.
*Insights:*
– Virgin Galactic has now entered the commercial spaceflight market, competing with other prominent companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
– This flight carried two members of the Italian Air Force and a research engineer who collected scientific data.
– The altitude of 80 kilometers achieved by Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane has been subject to some debate regarding the definition of space.
– The next flight will include paying customers, providing further evidence of the company’s commitment to commercial space travel.
– Virgin Galactic stands out from its competitors by using a spaceplane instead of a traditional rocket.
