Virgin Galactic wants to make these types of space trips happen each month. The seats for these trips cost between $250,000 and $450,000.
Virgin Galactic’s initial space tourism trip is starting today. It will take a former Olympian and a mother-daughter pair above the Earth.
The company’s first commercial trip occurred this summer. It carried three Italian individuals into low orbit for scientific research.
This particular launch is more for fun, and some of the crew members won their seats in a lucky draw.
Who’s going?
An Olympian named Jon Goodwin is on board. He competed in canoeing at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
Jon Goodwin is 80 years old and has Parkinson’s disease. He will be the second person with this disease to reach the edge of space. He said, “I hope this encourages others who face challenges to keep pursuing their dreams.”
Also on board is a mother and her daughter. The daughter, Ms. Schahaff, said she’ll be changed by the experience and hopes to inspire others.
The pilots CJ Sturckow and Kelly Latimer, as well as astronaut instructor Beth Moses, will join them.
When and where?
The launch is happening at Spaceport America in New Mexico. It will take place at 4 pm UK time.
Similar to how Virgin Orbit launched a rocket from Newquay in January, this trip will have VSS Unity attached to a plane.
Once the plane reaches the right altitude, the spacecraft will be released. It will use a powerful rocket engine to go about 50 miles above the Earth.
Nicola Pecile and Mike Masucci will return to the runway. Those who continue the journey into orbit will experience weightlessness and great views for five minutes before coming back. The whole trip will last around 90 minutes.
How to watch?
You can watch the launch live on Sky News’ website, app, and YouTube channel. If you can’t watch it live, you can watch it later.
Will there be more trips?
Virgin Galactic wants to have private trips every month. The seats for these trips will cost between $250,000 and $450,000.
This means the next trip could be in September. For those who can’t afford these trips, they’ll need to wait for other opportunities.
Ms. Schahaff and her daughter won their seats in a contest that raised funds for a non-profit called Space for Humanity. This group aims to send regular people into space to give them a better understanding of Earth’s challenges.
y reducing food intake and decreasing fat absorption.
All these things are time-consuming and slowly progressing, which makes the person frustrated and demotivated. They will not be able to continue the diet or exercise regularly.
