https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/tags/tag/virgin galactic/ Virgin Galactic News en Breaking Travel News Copyright 2026 2026-07-01T18:47:54+00:00 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/cornwall-airport-newquay-becomes-first-licensed-spaceport-in-the-uk/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/cornwall-airport-newquay-becomes-first-licensed-spaceport-in-the-uk/ A Spaceport transformation requires two things: the right facilities and legislation. Cornwall Airport Newquay now meets every need. Sat, 07 Jan 2023 09:00:48 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/space-flight-technology-is-the-only-way-to-get-to-net-zero/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/space-flight-technology-is-the-only-way-to-get-to-net-zero/ Mass space tourism is still not yet on the horizon – but the billionaires investing in space travel are helping the planet to tackle the climate crisis. Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:06:19 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-announces-new-spaceship-manufacturing-facility/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-announces-new-spaceship-manufacturing-facility/ Virgin Galactic, an aerospace and space travel company, has announced it has signed a long-term lease for a new final assembly manufacturing facility for its next-generation Delta class spaceships. The facility will be capable of producing up to six spaceships per year and will bring hundreds of highly skilled aerospace engineering and manufacturing jobs to the area. Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:29:59 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-could-be-left-behind-in-emerging-space-tourism-market/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-could-be-left-behind-in-emerging-space-tourism-market/ Following the recent news that Virgin Galactic is delaying its commercial spaceflight service to the Q1 2023, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offer their view Mon, 09 May 2022 00:50:29 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-begins-selling-tickets-to-space-for-first-time/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-begins-selling-tickets-to-space-for-first-time/ Virgin Galactic has opened ticket sales to the public for the first time, providing an opportunity to purchase a trip to the edge of space. Prices start at US$450,000. Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:37:00 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-sells-down-virgin-galactic-stake/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-sells-down-virgin-galactic-stake/ Richard Branson has sold a further 10.4 million shares in Virgin Galactic, worth US$300 million. Funds raised from the transaction will be used by Virgin Group to support other businesses. Mon, 16 Aug 2021 08:40:30 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-opens-ticket-sales-for-space-flights/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-opens-ticket-sales-for-space-flights/ Virgin Galactic has opened ticket sales for space flights, with prices starting at US$450,000 a seat. The company confirmed it is making progress toward beginning revenue flights next year. Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:03:23 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-blasts-off-with-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-blasts-off-with-virgin-galactic/ Virgin Galactic has successfully flown founder Richard Branson into space for the first time. The VSS Unity successfully reached space, completing the fourth rocket-powered spaceflight from the company. Mon, 12 Jul 2021 10:05:11 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-on-track-despite-test-failure/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-on-track-despite-test-failure/ During a test flight, the rocket motor “did not fire due to the ignition sequence not completing”. The pilots conducted a safe landing and return to Spaceport America, New Mexico as planned. Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:06:29 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/virgin-galactic-reveals-vss-unity-cabin-design/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/virgin-galactic-reveals-vss-unity-cabin-design/ Virgin Galactic, in collaboration with London design agency, Seymourpowell, has striven to remain faithful to tradition by developing an elegant but progressive, experience-focused concept for the cabin of its spaceship. Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:50:31 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-to-sell-500m-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-to-sell-500m-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ Richard Branson is reportedly to sell a stake in Virgin Galactic to raise $500 million to prop up his other businesses. He currently owns 55 per cent of the venture, and is thus likely to lose his controlling interest. Tue, 12 May 2020 14:50:10 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-to-release-more-tickets-to-space/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-to-release-more-tickets-to-space/ Virgin Galactic has said it will slowly reopen sales of spaceflights to meet growing demand. The company formally closed its doors to new ticket sales after its first space flight in 2018, having sold around 600 spaces at £250,000 apiece. Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:09:26 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/boeing-takes-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/boeing-takes-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ Boeing is investing $20 million in Virgin Galactic, a vertically integrated human spaceflight company. The companies will work together to broaden commercial space access and transform global travel technologies. Wed, 09 Oct 2019 08:08:46 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/virgin-galactic-opens-gateway-to-space-in-new-mexico/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/virgin-galactic-opens-gateway-to-space-in-new-mexico/ Virgin Galactic has revealed the first look at the interior of its Gateway to Space building at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The work showcases the two floors of the building primarily focused on spaceflight operations. Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:23:45 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-reaches-space-for-first-time/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-reaches-space-for-first-time/ Not only is this the first human spaceflight to be launched from American soil since the final Space Shuttle mission in 2011, but the very first time that a crewed vehicle built for commercial, passenger service, has reached space. Fri, 14 Dec 2018 08:35:50 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/saudi-public-investment-fund-takes-1bn-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/saudi-public-investment-fund-takes-1bn-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Virgin Group have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for a partnership under which PIF intends to invest approximately $1 billion into Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company and Virgin Orbit. Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:16:52 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-welcomes-boeing-747-cosmic-girl-to-fleet/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-welcomes-boeing-747-cosmic-girl-to-fleet/ Virgin Galactic introduced the newest addition to its fleet of vehicles today as part of a technical update on its LauncherOne small satellite launch service. The 747- 400 commercial jet aircraft, previously operated by Virgin Atlantic under the nickname ‘Cosmic Girl,’ will provide a dedicated launch platform for the LauncherOne orbital vehicle. Fri, 04 Dec 2015 11:49:49 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/sir-richared-branson-to-be-among-first-virgin-galactic-passengers/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/sir-richared-branson-to-be-among-first-virgin-galactic-passengers/ Sir Richard Branson and his two children will be among the first passengers to travel to space on Virgin Galactic next year. The Virgin boss revealed that his son Sam and daughter Holly would accompany him on a 60 mile journey into space on the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) aircraft. Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:36:56 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-completes-spaceshiptwo-test-flight/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-completes-spaceshiptwo-test-flight/ Virgin Galactic has revealed that its passenger-carrying suborbital space vehicle, SpaceShipTwo, successfully completed its first glide flight test on following a recent integration period for rocket motor systems and maintenance. Sat, 07 Jul 2012 14:30:56 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/focus/article/breaking-travel-news-interview-george-whitesides-president-ceo-virgin-galac/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/focus/article/breaking-travel-news-interview-george-whitesides-president-ceo-virgin-galac/ Last month the developer of the Virgin Galactic-operated SpaceShipTwo suborbital space tourism vehicle was granted regulatory approval to begin rocket-powered flight testing in the United States, bringing space travel a step closer to a reality. Breaking Travel News catches up with George Whitesides, president and chief executive of Virgin Galactic, to find out what this means for space tourism. Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:00:07 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/faa-clears-virgin-galactic-to-begin-rocket-powered-flights/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/faa-clears-virgin-galactic-to-begin-rocket-powered-flights/ The developer of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo suborbital space tourism vehicle has been granted an experimental launch permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin powered flight testing of the rocket-propelled craft later this year. Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:20:00 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/key-appointments-as-spaceport-abu-dhabi-takes-shape/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/key-appointments-as-spaceport-abu-dhabi-takes-shape/ Virgin Galactic and Aabar Investments have announced the appointment of Steve Landeene to the role of chief advisor, Spaceport Abu Dhabi. Between 2007 and 2010, Landeene was executive director of Spaceport America in New Mexico and oversaw the development of Virgin Galactic’s operational hub and the world’s first purpose built commercial spaceport. Thu, 31 May 2012 10:51:14 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-inaugurates-spaceport-america-in-new-mexico/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-inaugurates-spaceport-america-in-new-mexico/ Entrepreneur Richard Branson has inaugurated the $200 million, Norman Foster designed Spaceport America as Virgin Galactic inches closer to the stars. Some 800 guests were on hand to witness a fly-past from WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo as part of a spectacular opening ceremony. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:32:40 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-takes-one-step-closer-to-reality/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-takes-one-step-closer-to-reality/ Richard Branson’s commercial space venture Virgin Galactic has taken a key step closer to taking tourists into space. Test pilots have flown the spacecraft softly back the Earth’s atmosphere from space. The achievement is fundamental to reducing wear and tear on the rocket, so it can reach achieve the goal of making several flights per day. Fri, 06 May 2011 23:11:06 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/worlds-first-spaceport-opens/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/worlds-first-spaceport-opens/ Space tourism for the masses has taken another step closer to reality with the opening of the world’s first commercial spaceport in New Mexico, USA. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:10:07 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-makes-first-solo-flight/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-makes-first-solo-flight/ Enterprise – the suborbital spacecraft developed by Virgin Galactic – has successfully completed its first manned free flight. The craft was released from its mothership at an altitude of 45,000 ft before successfully gliding to land at Mojave Air & Spaceport. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:56:25 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/first-space-hotel-gets-lift-off/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/first-space-hotel-gets-lift-off/ Russian space group Energiya in partnership with America’s Orbital Technologies have won the tender to build the world’s first space hotel, complete with a menu devised by celebrity chefs. The CSS hotel will house up to seven space tourists, and also double up as an emergency refuge for astronauts. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:06:45 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-18-months-from-first-flight/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-18-months-from-first-flight/ Entrepreneur Richard Branson has revealed Virgin Galactic is just 18 months away from offering commercial space travel. With Boeing also preparing to enter the space-tourism market, Branson also outlined plans to go one step further, revealing ambitions of building hotels in space. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:57:29 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/boeing-enters-space-race/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/boeing-enters-space-race/ Boeing has confirmed it will enter the space tourism market, with flights beginning as soon as 2015. Linking up with Virginia-based Space Adventures, the aviation giant will offer trips to the International Space Station aboard its Crew Space Transportation-100 spacecraft. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:28:51 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/one-giant-leap-for-russell-brand/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/one-giant-leap-for-russell-brand/ Fulfilling the ambition of many down here on earth, it has been confirmed Russell Brand will be blasted into space. Sadly for some, he will also be returning to earth aboard the newly launched Virgin Galactic service, as he enjoys a luxurious $200,000 birthday gift from singer girlfriend Katy Perry. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:51:29 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/space-tourism-moves-one-step-closer/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/space-tourism-moves-one-step-closer/ The promise of space tourism has edged one step closer, with Virgin Galactic confirming its prototype space craft has completed its inaugural captive carry flight. The organisation said the VSS Enterprise has successfully carried out the flight over the Mojave Desert in the United States. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:26:23 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-campaign-for-uk-spaceport-gets-heavyweight-backing/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-campaign-for-uk-spaceport-gets-heavyweight-backing/ Virgin Galatic’s attempt to launch its space tourism venture from a UK base has been given heavyweight public and private sector backing. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:16:40 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactics-will-whitehorn-to-address-business-travel-meetings-show/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactics-will-whitehorn-to-address-business-travel-meetings-show/ Will Whitehorn, President of space travel pioneer Virgin Galactic, will make a very special appearance at the Business Travel & Meetings Show on Wednesday 10 February. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:35:19 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-unveils-spacecraft/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-galactic-unveils-spacecraft/ Virgin Galactic unveiled the VSS Enterprise last night (December 9), two years ahead of the launch of what will be the world’s first commercial spacecraft. The craft, which is also known as Space Ship Two, will take six passengers paying $200,000 and two pilot astronauts 110km into space in 30 seconds. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:55:02 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/sheikh-mansour-buys-32-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/sheikh-mansour-buys-32-stake-in-virgin-galactic/ Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan has bought a 32% stake in Virgin Galactic for $280m (£170m), in a deal that values Sir Richard Branson’s space venture at $900m. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:49:11 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/ahic-2009-will-whitehorn-virgin-galactic/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/videos/video/ahic-2009-will-whitehorn-virgin-galactic/ Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic talks to Breaking Travel News at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2009. Fri, 15 May 2009 15:59:15 +0000 https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/btn20060607082638558/ https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/btn20060607082638558/ Virgin Blue and Virgin Galactic have announced an agreement whereby two pilots now flying for Virgin Blue could become astronaut pilots of the future. Wed, 07 Jun 2006 08:26:41 +0000