Virgin Galactic News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Breaking Travel News Interview: George Whitesides, president, Virgin Galactic
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.
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.
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.