Virgin Galactic, the spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson, recently achieved another milestone by successfully launching its “Galactic 07” mission. This sub-orbital spaceflight carried four eager passengers on a brief but exhilarating journey to the edge of space and back.
The mission, which occurred earlier this year, marked a significant moment for Virgin Galactic. It was the second mission of 2024 for the company and the final commercial flight for their spaceplane, the VSS Unity. VSS Unity carried its precious cargo of four space tourists – Anand “Andy” Harish Sadhwani from California, Irving Izchak Pergament from New York, and Giorgi Manenti from Italy – to an altitude of approximately 88.5 kilometers (55 miles). This height is considered the edge of space, where the curvature of the Earth becomes distinctly visible, and the effects of microgravity can be experienced.
The Galactic 07 mission wasn’t just a joyride for the passengers but also a significant step forward for Virgin Galactic’s commercial space tourism ambitions. Since its initial test flight in December 2018, the company has launched 55 people on suborbital spaceflights. This mission, including the crew, brought that number to 59.
The day began with the launch of VSS Unity from Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America facility in New Mexico. The spaceplane was carried aloft by its mothership, VMS Eve, until reaching a designated release altitude. Once released, VSS Unity ignited its rocket engine, propelling itself towards space at an impressive speed. This brief but powerful burn gave the passengers a few minutes of weightlessness, allowing them to float freely within the cabin and marvel at the breathtaking views of Earth from space.
Virgin Galactic has emphasized the importance of providing an unparalleled customer experience. The company’s focus on passenger comfort and safety is evident in the design of the VSS Unity cabin. With ample space and large windows, passengers are afforded stunning celestial vistas during the flight. The microgravity environment allows for a unique, weightless experience, often described by participants as thrilling and awe-inspiring.
Following its brief time at the edge of space, VSS Unity re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and glided back to Spaceport America for a smooth runway landing. The mission lasted just over an hour, but it undoubtedly represented a lifetime’s dream come true for the onboard passengers.
The successful completion of Galactic 07 marks the culmination of an era for Virgin Galactic. With the retirement of VSS Unity, the company is now shifting its focus to developing its next-generation spaceships. These fourth-generation spaceships are expected to enter commercial service in 2026 and promise an even more advanced space tourism experience.
Virgin Galactic’s space tourism endeavors are a significant development in the burgeoning space industry. The company’s success in consistently and safely launching private citizens into space paves the way for a future where space travel is no longer the sole domain of government agencies and professional astronauts. Missions like Galactic 07 bring the dream of space travel within reach of a select few and contribute to a growing public interest in space exploration.
