Virgin Galactic is all geared up to launch their very first commercial spaceflights by the end of the year 2018 thereby boosting the idea of space tourism considerably.
Recently, the company has tested its re-entry system from Mojave Air and Space Port. Prior to this, the company had finished its first solo glide flight of its ship known as the VSS Unity, late last year. Both these tests were successful.
It further triggered optimism for the company.
George Whitesides who is the former NASA staff chief, the CEO of Galactic Ventures also sounded quite optimistic during the hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce.
The spaceships would have two pilots and six passengers and would be launched from the air. Thereafter, it would take the passengers to a distance of nearly 100 kilometers above the earth. The passengers would be capable of experiencing few moments in microgravity and would also enjoy the thrill of indulging in breathtaking views of the earth.
Currently, the rickets for this journey are priced at $250,000.
However, Virgin is not the only company that is looking forward to promote space tourism. Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com is also looking forward to start a new space travel venture known as Blue Origin. It hopes to have flights running next year too. Space X of Elon Musk has also expressed interest in the arena of commercial space travel.
Recently, Space X has come up with the Dragon V2 spacecraft, that can carry seven people into space. And, they are preparing for a trip to the moon by 2018.
