Virgin Galactic Successfully Launches Its First Private Space Flight
Virgin Galactic has just achieved a new milestone as it successfully launched its inaugural space tourists. This achievement marks a notable advancement for the company and highlights the expanding landscape of private space travel.
The rocket-powered space plane named VSS Unity lifted off from a spaceport in New Mexico. Its mothership, VMS Eve, took off just like a regular airplane would, and when it was at 40,000 feet in the air, it released the VSS Unity, catapulting it into the stars.
The trio of passengers on this landmark flight consisted of entrepreneur Keisha Schahaff and her daughter, Anastatia Mayers, who secured their spots through a fundraiser drawing. Along with them was Jon Goodwin, a former Olympian, who became the second individual with Parkinson’s disease to venture into space. Also onboard were two former NASA astronauts, C.J. Sturckow and pilot Kelly Latimer who manned the spacecraft.
That magical moment when your dreams comes true #Galactic02 pic.twitter.com/k5NsNlXb6u
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) August 10, 2023
The VSS Unity made it beyond 50 miles above Earth’s surface, a marker the US government defines as the edge of outer space. This phase of the journey involved experiencing supersonic speeds and several minutes of weightlessness.
The return journey saw VSS Unity glide back to Earth, landing on the same runway it had departed from. The entire trip took place in just an hour, but it was enough to change the passenger’s perspectives on the world.
According to CNN, the passengers described the experience as surreal. They conveyed a deep connection to the universe and Earth, and expressed newfound inspiration in the face of boundless prospects.
[via CNN and Space.com, cover image via Virgin Galactic]
