Virgin Galactic has been cleared to fly FAA-licenced spaceflights following the conclusion of an inquiry that focused on air traffic control clearance and real-time mission notification related to the Unity 22 flight in July.

Seats aboard Richard Branson’s spaceship have reopened for sale in the past week, skyrocketing in price.

Virgin Galactic has been granted its full commercial launch licence for space flights by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Virgin Galactic has unveiled the company’s first Spaceship III in its growing fleet, dubbed VSS Imagine.

Virgin Galactic had around 1,000 wannabe astronauts enrol in its “One Small Step” program offered in 2020, potentially generating future revenue of more than US$250 million for the space tourism venture.

Virgin Galactic’s test flight program suffered a setback last weekend after the rocket’s engine failed to fire up to propel VSS Unity into space.

Virgin Galactic will delay the third space test flight earmarked for 19-23 November as the company downsizes operations in New Mexico to adhere with new rules designed to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

Virgin Galactic SpaceShip VSS Unity will strap dummies in for its next spaceflight to test seat reclining in space.

More than 400 wannabe astronauts from 44 countries have forked out deposits to be in the next tranche of space travellers with Virgin Galactic. The aerospace company said it was encouraged by the response to the ‘One Small Step’ initiative which aimed to get more bodies in space for a nominal US$1,000 refundable deposit.

Virgin Galactic has completed another vital step on its path to commercial service, relocating SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, to its commercial headquarters at Spaceport America’s Gateway to Space building. VSS Unity, attached to the carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, made the journey from Mojave, California, where the company’s manufacturing facilities are based, where it was greeted by an enthusiastic group of teammates who will operate the spaceship in New Mexico.

A few milestones were achieved this week at Virgin Galactic, which has bonded the fuselage and cabin of its next spaceship to the completed wing assembly.

Virgin Galactic has revealed the first look at the interior fit-out of its Gateway to Space building at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The work completed showcased two floors of the building primarily focused on spaceflight operations, which also incorporates communal spaces designed for use in the future by Virgin Galactic customers, along with their friends and families. Completion of this interior work means the spaceport facility is now operationally functional and able to support Virgin Galactic’s flight requirements.